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Seeking Uses for Solar Energy

September 8, 1978
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The National Council for Research and Development is investigating a process that will use solar energy to convert sewage into high quality water that can be used for irrigation purposes, it was announced here. According to Dr. H. Grechter, laboratory manager at the Health Ministry, the process is the first of its kind initiated anywhere in the world and is faster and more reliable than other purification processes currently in use.

Meanwhile, the Hebrew University is testing a new method to increase the conversion capacity of solar energy cells. It utilizes a glass plate treated with inorganic ions as a solar concentrator and heat dispenser. The treatment of the glass is said to prevent the waste of energy not absorbed by the cell and concentrates the solar heat in a smaller area.

The method has been proven efficient theoretically but further study and development will be required before it is tested in practical application. The specially treated glass is expected to be only slightly more expensive than normal glass plates used in solar energy cells presently in operation.

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