Concentrating sunlight to accomplish projection (Art project)

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on an artist's endeavor to create a solar-powered slide projector that effectively concentrates sunlight for projection. The artist has experimented with a facet reflector and condenser lenses but has faced challenges with light intensity and diverging rays. Suggestions include using a larger light-gathering structure, such as a parabolic mirror or a big fresnel lens, to enhance light concentration. The artist emphasizes the necessity of using sunlight specifically for this project.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of optical principles, specifically light concentration techniques.
  • Familiarity with lens types, including fresnel and condenser lenses.
  • Knowledge of solar energy applications in art and projection.
  • Basic skills in constructing reflective structures for light manipulation.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the design and functionality of parabolic mirrors for light concentration.
  • Learn about the properties and applications of fresnel lenses in projection systems.
  • Explore techniques for building effective facet reflectors for solar applications.
  • Investigate optimal settings for solar-powered projects in urban environments.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for artists, designers, and engineers interested in solar energy applications, optical engineering, and innovative projection techniques.

Gabrielk
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Hello!

First of all I want to say that I am not a physicist, but an artist currently doing my master thesis.

I have been trying to build a solar powered slide projector. It works very simple – I reflect sunlight through a slide and enlarge it with a lens.

My problem was that I wanted more juice. Stronger light.
I figured that I could concentrate sunlight somehow. I have tried to make a facett reflector that focus on a pair of condenser lenses… this has not been very successful I'm afraid.

Could it be that my condenser lenses has an EFL that is not the same as my fresnel enlarging lens?

Do you guys have any ideas on how to accomplish this?

I'm super grateful for any help what so ever! :D

Cheers!
 
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Does it have to be sunlight?
 
Zuri Rohm said:
Does it have to be sunlight?

Yes sir!

That is very important. I have made various portable projectors powered by LEDs. But this I would like to use sunlight.

I think it would be sufficient if I could double the sunlight. Just one sun is not quite enough, at least this time a year.
 
Solutions:
A: Create a darker room to project your image in.
B: Bigger light gathering structures.
C: Go to a brighter place.

Watch this video:

 
Mk said:
Solutions:
A: Create a darker room to project your image in.
B: Bigger light gathering structures.
C: Go to a brighter place.

Watch this video:



A: Yes, I need to find optimal settings for this of course. But the room is supposed to be in public space. (Urban area)
B: Yes, that is what I am trying to accomplish by building a plane mirror facett structure. But I have a problem with diverging rays… I think this might have to do with the lenses I am using, not sure. My aim is to build this myself. Otherwise I could order a parabolic mirror to increase the light. But this does not compute with the overall idea of the project. (stupid artist)
C: Yes, I might have to do that. The thought has occurred.

Nice video and a super nice project.

If I would get a big fresnel lens like he has in the video and focus it on a plane mirror that redirects the light through my slide and enlarging lens. Would that work?

Can you think of other light gathering structures?

Thanks for your reply!
 

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