HELIOSTAT Meaning and
Definition
-
A heliostat is a highly specialized device used in the field of optics and astronomy. It is an apparatus that precisely aligns and reflects sunlight in a specific direction towards a desired target, usually a fixed focal point, allowing for the concentration of energy or the observation of celestial bodies.
The heliostat consists of a mirror mounted on a tracking system, typically equipped with motors, gears, and optical sensors. This complex mechanism allows the mirror to constantly adjust its position in order to accurately reflect the sunlight onto the target, compensating for the Earth's rotation and the changing position of the sun throughout the day. The mirror’s surface is carefully designed to be of high reflectivity, enhancing its efficiency in reflecting sunlight.
Heliostats have various applications. One of their primary uses is in solar energy systems, particularly in solar power plants or solar furnaces. By accurately focusing the solar rays, heliostats can concentrate the sunlight onto a heat-absorbing material, such as a receiver or a central tower, thus generating intense heat that can be used to produce electricity or for other industrial purposes.
In astronomy, heliostats are employed to redirect sunlight into telescopes, observatories, or spectrographs for research or analysis. By tracking the sun's position, heliostats allow astronomers to study celestial phenomena during the daylight hours without the need for artificial light sources.
Overall, a heliostat is a precision instrument used for directing sunlight towards a specific target, enabling applications such as solar energy concentration or observational studies in astronomy.
-
An instr. which continually reflects the sun's rays in the same direction, consisting of a rotating mirror moved by clock-work.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for HELIOSTAT
- geliostat
- beliostat
- neliostat
- jeliostat
- ueliostat
- yeliostat
- hwliostat
- hsliostat
- hdliostat
- hrliostat
- h4liostat
- h3liostat
- hekiostat
- hepiostat
- heoiostat
- heluostat
- heljostat
- helkostat
- heloostat
Etymology of HELIOSTAT
The word "heliostat" is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "helios", meaning "sun", and "statos", meaning "stationary" or "standing". In essence, a heliostat is a device used to position mirrors or other reflective surfaces to track and reflect sunlight in a fixed direction, hence its name.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
