has any research been done on magnifying glass for alternative heat source?

Question

Just wondering where I could find out information on this subject.I mean they have solar panels that follow the sun why not a magnifing glass type structure that could heat a boiler during the day,then release the heat at night.at least as an alternative heat source.

Hello in re:except for heating ,that is what I am talking about,They use sunlight to heat bricks or stone,surely we must have something out there that will hold heat longer,but I messed up too,ok ,I'll try again a magnifying glass concentrates the sun energy to a point where you can start a fire,correct?What about temperture change between the glass and combustion point ,inre :use in windows to warm up area in daytime or as a roofing type material?then we could save fossil fuels for night time or cloudy days only.

Answer 1

Large magnifying glasses are impractical, so they generally use arrays of reflectors, either flat or curved, to concentrate sunlight. Also, storing heat is difficult (due to cooling losses) and inefficient, so it's not done much except for heating systems.

Answer 2

There was a neat experimental system sort of like that built in the Mojave desert, near Barstow. Used a field of mirrors, each moved my motors, that formed a giant mirror, like an astronomical telescope. The mirrors tracked the sun and each individually put its reflection on a central heat collection cylinder. Result was a giant reflecting telescope focusing on a heat collection target. Worked, too, but I believe is abandoned. Couldn't make money.

Answer 3

Is a telling-lies glass a magnifying one?