Welcome aboard Eric.

While converting solar energy, to thermal, to mechanical, to electrical is not a very efficient way to go, if the system doesn't cost you much to build and nothing to run, who cares! Batch heating for steam would be a terribly poor way to go though, as too much time would be wasted bringing sufficient amounts of water up to production temperatures for sustainable steam production. A small, point of use system may be a better option. The use of a parabolic concave mirror (a big C-band satellite dish perhaps?) or trough would be ideal. The tricky part is keeping the steam heated to maintain pressure. The electrical generation portion should probably be a turbine, since it would require the least amount of maintenance, and take advantage of RPM's over torque. Coupled to an appropriately sized permanent magnet motor conversion generator, it should function pretty well.

If it were me, I'd build a sun-tracking parabolic trough with a length of gas pipe running down it's length, directly in the focal point. Directly at the end of the pipe, I'd have a restrictor/orifice/nozzle and turbine connected up. At the other end, I'd have a water feed line and a high pressure injector pump. Then you'd just have to find a way to regulate the injector pump to provide enough water to maintain the best steam pressure possible.

I've never done the numbers on calculating solar insolation, BTU's, steam volume, Kwh, but it seems feasible to get something out of it to work.

rick---thanks for your thoughts. consider that, in florida, the biggest concern/drain electrically is COOLING. funny, huh? anyhoo, i was toyin around with the idea of using salvaged car A/C parts for a closed system steam genny. and, as you mentioned, an out of date, oversized satellite dish for a collector [considered using galvanized flashing to up the reflectivity of the parabolic dish, and figured the old mounting point for the receiver would be a great place to hang an accumulator off'n a GM a/c system]. any thoughts on what could be used for the turbine portion of the equation? initially, i had hoped to use a toyota water pump.........not enough volume to keep 'er goin.

BTW, the prius is really an amazing piece of work. i was lucky enough to be available for the initial training provided by the factory------funny enough, the ONE question they could not answer (after STRONG warnings re: the potential dangers of the 380 VDC battery/WELDER {tee-hee}) was mine....what about tow-truck drivers, fire-fighters, paramedics???????? "um, well.......they will have the info in time for the release of the product here in the states........." we have a lot of folks that drive into lakes and rivers here, ya know.....

anyway, the car has proven to be reliable, strong, and pretty safe. also, amazing "factory-style" fuel economy. my pop rented a 2008 for a trip to N.C., and got 55MPG+ at 80 MPH interstate speeds!!!!!!! good luck onsecuring the batteries, and BE CAREFUL!!!! as a side note, i have also had exposure/work on the honda hybrids---completely different animals, my personal opinion of them through the 2008 releases is "save your money".

finally, what are you folks in the great northwest doing as far as fuel efficiency for your cars???? i read that alaska has the highest $/GAL gas prices in the US. anyone had any sucess with the H2O-for-gas gimmics???? for anybody interested, use stainless steel fo4r anode/cathode, keep the amperage across them under 5 (so as not to boil the water---not good!), and keep the pressure/vacuum inside the H2 generator 0".......
i already melted a couple of PVC canisters in the learning process. does seem to help power and economy, but each vehicle responds differently. my thought thus far is that any little bit helps!

thanks again for havin' me, eric
that which does not kill me.....makes me stonger! (paraphrase F. Nietzche)

I know it's coming....

Nope, I can't get 51.417 MPG with the rack or tool boxes,
but they sure do increase the useability of the truck. The
rack is 13 1/2' long, and the stock tool boxes juuust fit
between the rack uprights.

Of couse, the truck has been highly modified to get that
kind of fuel economy, but the biggest gain is by keeping
my foot out of it.

-Rick

Nothing really too out of the ordinary.
The exhaust was opened-up. Much larger and free-er flowing than stock,
but after talking w/ a VW diesel guy I found out my exhaust is still 1" too
small in diameter. A larger exhaust will drop the EGT by a minimum of 200 F.

14" wheels, up from 13". Five speed. Turbocharger, 1.6L Jetta engine.
Supposed to get 43 MPG (EPA stated fuel rating, YMMV),
Probably averaging 46 1/2 MPG. Don't remember
if the photo shows the tool boxes. The truck is now very practical for me.

On a sadder note, the cost to drive the VW is getting closer to what it
originally cost to drive the big Vovlo 24' box truck. A few years ago the Volvo
was about $100 for a trip to go and build. The VW is now approaching $50 per trip.
True, the Volvo (then) costs twice as much in fuel as the VW, but it could hold tools,
materials, and supplies for ten days PLUS the VW!

Looks like there is more work that could be done
to the VW, but it means big dollars for small gains.

-Rick