DISH STIRLING SYSTEMS

DISTAL II

The DISTAL II was a first attempt at a system with better features and per-kWe cost. Three new stretched-membrane prototypes were erected and put into routine operation in 1996 and 1997. Their slightly larger 8.5‑m-diameter delivers 50 kWt to the motor. The focal distance is 4.1 m and the maximum concentration is 16,000 suns at the focus. The Stirling motor, which had also evolved, is now a 10‑kWe SOLO V161 and the tracking system is azimuth-elevation, which allows automatic sunrise-to-sunset operation.