IX-STAR-TA is an evaluation-focused, measurement-first concept for converting concentrated solar heat into electrical power using a modular cavity-receiver array feeding a single controlled thermoacoustic core, with optional PCM hot-side stabilization to improve repeatability.
This repo is written for engineers. It avoids hype and defines what can be built, measured, falsified, and improved.
- A modular solar-thermal receiver architecture:
- multiple identical “receiver cells” (non-imaging capture + cavity receiver)
- thermal combining into a central hot manifold
- a single thermoacoustic resonator + alternator stage
- an instrumentation plan that produces audit-grade evidence
- Not a “free energy” claim.
- Not an antigravity/propulsion claim.
- Not a finished product.
- Not a substitute for a full safety review (high temps, pressure, optics hazards).
- Cavity receivers can improve absorption and flux uniformity vs simple flat absorbers.
- Non-imaging concentrators can increase acceptance angle (less pointing sensitivity).
- PCM buffering can reduce hot-side temperature swings that destabilize thermoacoustic operation.
- One controlled TA core simplifies tuning and instrumentation vs many small engines.
A honeycomb-like receiver array concentrates and traps solar flux in cavity receivers, sums heat into a stabilized hot manifold, and drives a single thermoacoustic generator that is instrumented to produce repeatable power accounting.
docs/— architecture, receiver physics, manifold + PCM, TA core interfaces, measurement plan, safety.hardware/— module specs, BOMs, mechanical concepts, sensor placement, assembly notes.tests/— test plans, acceptance criteria, and reporting templates.reports/— PoC report template (no fabricated data).
Evaluation-only, no commercial use. See LICENSE.