Fresnel Lens Array - Focal Point Question

[Fritzo130]

Hello, all,

I am using 9 fresnel lenses (~1x1' per lens) and 9 water blocks for a solar water heater. Each fresnel lens is positioned so that a water block below is heated.

A pump is used to pump the water through the system.

However, I have one question...

I have all of my fresnel lenses arrayed on a single plane. Will the focal point of each lens still land directly on the waterblock underneath?

I am unable to test this right now because it would take a lot of work to move the water heater to the roof and it is still being constructed in the lab. From using a small point source object (light bulb) in the lab I can see that it does indeed affect the position of the focal point on the water blocks (some are aligned and others are not). I am hoping that since the sun is so far away that it would have far less affect?

Thank you for your time,

Fritz Laun

 

[pallidin]

I am hoping that since the sun is so far away that it would have far less affect?

You are correct!