The design, construction and performance of a novel solar simulator and hybrid reactor

A uniquely designed and built high intensity solar simulator using metal halide lamps proved to be a useful and viable tool for controlled indoor high temperature experiments. This apparatus which closely mimics the energy of the sun can focus concentrated energy into a well-insulated reactor cavity where high temperatures exceeding 2000 °C, as required to process metals and materials, were reached. It was demonstrated that continuous 24-hour high temperature operations are feasible when a hybrid solar/electric reactor was used.