Mont-Louis Solar Furnace, Solar furnace research facility in Mont-Louis, France
The Mont-Louis Solar Furnace is a research facility that concentrates sunlight using approximately 1420 mirrors to reach temperatures between 2000 and 3500 degrees Celsius. The installation demonstrates how extreme heat can be used for applications including wood combustion, metal processing, and ceramic manufacturing.
Professor Felix Trombe built this pioneering solar installation in 1949, creating the world's first operational solar furnace. This founding established the foundation for later research and development in solar energy technology.
The name Mont-Louis refers to Louis XIV, the Sun King, and the solar facility connects this historical link to the sun with modern energy use. Visitors can see how the city and its buildings embrace this relationship with solar energy.
The facility operates year-round and offers guided tours with live demonstrations. Keep in mind that demonstrations depend on weather conditions and work best under direct sunlight.
The facility participates in technology transfer programs with countries like Morocco, helping develop solar ovens for rural communities. This collaboration shows how research findings can directly support people in less developed regions.
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