Solarheart

Teapopper
Teapopper Registered Users Posts: 13 ✭
in Solar Product Reviews & Opinions #1
Hi guys

Have any of you seen this ?, some sort of stirling engine ?

http://www.coolenergyinc.com/solar.html
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  • Cariboocoot
    Cariboocoot Banned Posts: 17,615 ✭✭✭
    #2
    Re: Solarheart

    That's what it says in the first sentence: "The components of the SolarFlow® System include the SolarHeart® Engine which incorporates Stirling engine technology,"

    Otherwise ... who knows? Interesting idea, if it works.
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  • BB.
    BB. Super Moderators, Administrators Posts: 33,617 admin
    #3
    Re: Solarheart

    Yes, it is a Stirling Engine based design... At the moment, appears to be vaporware or perhaps one prototype of some sort (no details about prototype or who/when it was produced). From their blog:
    The volume production ASP estimate for the current engine is about $6000 for a 1KW engine, which will produce a retail price of $7500 – $9000 depending on distribution channel. Keep in mind that 1KW in a solar thermal system produces 4000 to 5000 kWh in a year depending on location, since the engine runs on the thermal energy stored in the tank even when the sun has set.
    The thermoelectric system ASP would be at least $15K, for an ASP of for a retail price using the same distribution channel math of $20,000 to $25,000.

    Also, a news article about the company--a bit more information. But everything is a discussion of the future. Does not sound like they have much funding at this time.

    And another article about the company and their market... $20-$40,000 for a unit (1kW?) and 8 people working there (Feb 2009).

    They do have a press release about getting a prototype running from September of 2009.

    -Bill
    Near San Francisco California: 3.5kWatt Grid Tied Solar power system+small backup genset
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