Dr. Maria Telkes
invention of Residential Solar Heating
There are some inventions that were able to bring about a
great revolution in the world of Science and technology. The Residential solar
heating system is one of the most useful systems invented by a woman which is
now being extensively used. Maria Telkes, a famous physical chemist and
biophysicist, invented Residential Solar Heating. She also invented many
patented solar power devices which include solar water distilling system that
makes seawater portable, solar ovens and devices. She was called as “Sun Queen”
for her immense contribution to solar energy space.
Maria Telkes and Solar energy research
Maria Telkes was born in Budapest, Hungary in the year 1900 to
Aladar Telkes and Maria Laban de Telkes. She did her B.A., in Budapest
University followed by a Ph.D in the year 1924. After paying visit to a
relative in Cleveland, she decided to migrate to the United States and in 1925
she joined Cleveland Clinic Foundation as biophysicist where she worked under
George Washington Crile on photo electric device for recording brain waves. Later
she joined the Massachusetts Institute of Technology as Associate Research
Professor in metallurgy field and this is when she started paying attention to
solar energy research.
First residential
solar heating system
In the year 1948, Maria Telkes worked along with architect
Eleanor Raymond to design and construct the first ever modern home with solar
energy heating system. Built in Dover, Massachusetts, the house is functional
even today. Amelia Peabody a well-known sculptor is the one who sponsored the
project to bring out the use of solar power. The working mechanism of the
heating system is simple yet highly efficient.
How it works?
The heating system was designed to absorb and retain the
solar energy through the chemical process of crystallization of sodium sulphate
solution or Glauber’s salts. The heat is then distributed evenly through the
rooms of the house with the help of a fan. The model includes boxes to collect
solar energy from sunlight which is used to warm up the air in compartment
found between the black metal sheet and double glass layer. The warm air is
passed to the walls which transfers the heat to the Glauber’s salt and is stored
there to be used later.
Maria Telkes is known for her extensive research and contribution
to solar thermal storage system. All of her models and devices are highly
popular and has helped transforming the solar energy field.
DimTec 3D
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