How Can I Burn Wood Anytime Using Solar Power?

  • Thread starter Helios45365
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Solar Wood
In summary: The wavelength of sunlight that when focused is responsible for generating enough heat to burn is in the infrared range. It is not a full spectrum kind of thing. It is possible to generate and focus enough light artificially (of whatever part of the spectrum) to burn without having to wait for a nice sunny day.
  • #1
Helios45365
2
0
Hi, I'm new to this forum, and from what I've seen so far, there are some very intelligent people posting here, and I'm hoping someone will have an answer for me.

It's a two part question basically boiling down to one point.

I've recently become involved in wood burning as a hobby, particularly with using a small magnifying glass (2x mag). I've developed a potential application for more precise wood burning this way, but I don't want to have to rely on the weather to be able to do any work, ie: a nice sunny day. Sadly, my limited experience with light or optics has me baffled.

First part is...what is the wavelength of sunlight that when focused is responsible for generating enough heat to burn, or is it a full spectrum kind of thing?

And the second part is...is it possible to generate and focus enough light artificially (of whatever part of the spectrum) to burn without having to wait for a nice sunny day?

Helios
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
It's basically the power not the wavelength.

As to what you would use for a source, other than an industrial CO2 laser, I'm not sure. It would be difficult to put enough power into something you could easily move around - it would probably have to be fed down a fibre into the tool used to draw the pattern.
You would probably be better looking at some sort of hot wire type device.
 
  • #3
Welcome to PF, Helios.
I agree with Mgb. By the time you get finished sucking up enough electricity to run a major light-producing device (be it an arc lamp or a laser), then use it to burn your pattern, you'll find that it isn't worth the effort and expense. Just use a regular soldering iron type burning tool when the sun's not co-operating and your magnifying glass when it is.
 
  • #4
That's what I was afraid of. I was hoping for a fully non contact method, and as cheap as possible, but it looks like I'll have to go the laser route.

Thanks guys.
 
  • #5
You're quite welcome. Be aware, however, that it takes a pretty powerful laser to burn things. While the effect upon the target is similar, the method of delivery is different. If you go that route, make sure that you take all necessary safety precautions, including the use of goggles. Even reflected laser light can cause severe eye damage. In some jurisdictions, you even need a special license to own and operate that class of laser.
I appreciate your desire to do things 'hands off', but I'm not exactly sure what your parameters for that are. I have an alternate suggestion, but it might involve too much physical contact for your liking. I'm thinking of you painting your design on the wood with an exothermic chemical (something like thermite) that you can then activate with a lower powered laser.
On the other hand, and much simpler and cheaper, you could do it with a pin-point torch similar the the cigarette lighter than W bought me. You can solder with the bloody thing, but the flame point is about the size of a regular pencil.
 
  • #6
glycerin and potassium permanganate combust nicely by themselves
have you tried using elliptical mirrors? they might be more effective and cheaper
 

1. How does solar power work with wood burning?

Solar powered wood burning involves using solar panels to collect energy from the sun, which is then used to heat up a wood burning stove or furnace. This allows for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way to burn wood for heat or energy.

2. What are the benefits of using solar power for wood burning?

There are several benefits to using solar power for wood burning. It reduces the need for non-renewable energy sources, such as coal or natural gas, and lowers carbon emissions. It also helps to save money on energy bills in the long run.

3. Can solar power be used for all types of wood burning?

Yes, solar power can be used for all types of wood burning. It can be used for residential heating, cooking, and even industrial purposes. As long as there is a wood burning appliance, solar power can be utilized to power it.

4. Is solar powered wood burning a reliable source of energy?

Yes, solar powered wood burning is a reliable source of energy. As long as there is sunlight, the solar panels will collect energy to power the wood burning stove or furnace. However, it may not be as consistent as other sources of energy, such as electricity, as it is dependent on weather conditions.

5. Are there any disadvantages to using solar powered wood burning?

One potential disadvantage is the initial cost of installing solar panels. It may also not be suitable for areas with limited sunlight. Additionally, regular maintenance and cleaning of the solar panels may be required to ensure optimal performance. However, the long-term benefits outweigh these potential drawbacks.

Similar threads

Replies
11
Views
948
  • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
21
Views
857
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • General Engineering
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
152
Views
4K
  • Introductory Physics Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
7K
  • General Engineering
Replies
3
Views
3K
  • General Engineering
Replies
15
Views
4K
  • General Engineering
Replies
3
Views
8K
Replies
4
Views
4K
Back
Top