Development of an efficient solar concentrator and utilization in copper extraction from copper minerals

  • Alejandro Valdivieso universidad autonoma de San Luis Potosi
  • Ke Yang
  • Luis Fernando Camacho Conzález
  • Fátima MI de los Santos García
  • Yuri Nahmad Molinari
Keywords: solar energy; net-zero carbon emissions; compound parabolic collectors; acid leaching; copper recovery

Abstract


A novel and cost-effective solar concentrator has been developed to enhance efficient copper extraction. Based on the criteria for a stationary compound parabolic concentrator, the reflector geometry incorporates a half-spherical curve and a strength line. This design significantly improves the concentrator's ability to capture more marginal rays compared to widely used commercial solar concentrators. In this study, a newly configured solar concentrator was constructed with aluminum sheet and tested in San Luis Potosi, Mexico, with a comprehensive performance analysis. The investigation revealed an optical efficiency of 0.73 and a maximum thermal efficiency of 68%. Experimental results demonstrated that the solar collector could absorb solar radiation throughout the year without the need for a tracking system. It efficiently facilitated the copper sulfide ore leaching process at a medium temperature of approximately 70 °C. Capital cost analysis indicated an exceptionally low unit manufacturing cost of only $125 USD /m2. The study further proposes that the implementation of this solar collector could potentially double the copper recovery rate and triple the annual increase in copper cement without contributing to CO2 emissions. Additionally, the feasibility of deploying this new concentrator on an industrial scale was thoroughly evaluated to provide a substantial support for advancing cleaner copper production technology through further innovation.

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Published
2025/01/13
How to Cite
Valdivieso, A., Yang, K., Camacho Conzález, L. F., Santos García, F. M., & Molinari, Y. N. (2024). Development of an efficient solar concentrator and utilization in copper extraction from copper minerals. Journal of Mining and Metallurgy, Section B: Metallurgy, 60(3), 421-433. Retrieved from https://aseestant.ceon.rs/index.php/jmm/article/view/49381
Issue
Vol. 60 No. 3 (2024)
Section
Original Scientific Paper

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