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I wonder what possible applications could come out of using a fresnel lens+a stirling engine to drive pistons in a desert: https://youtu.be/CDCTANU8Tfk?t=1m1s

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The goal of such a system would be self-replication[1]. So the material that the stirling engine is made from should be sourced locally from the environment. Perhaps iron or aluminium.

Also make use of molten salt energy storage systems to keep the system running over night.

Calculate your doubling time and extrapolate to determine when you've solved the worlds energy problems, or when you've turned it into grey goo. ;)

[1] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDo2OeeimHA

Ok, but one step at a time! :)

The key to this kind of a system is to reduce both part and element count.

That way full-closure of hte system will be easier to achieve and full self-replication will be an easy step to take.

Stirling engines and Fresnel lenses are the right path for both electrical and thermal energy production. If you can keep as much of the system as possible derived from sand and clay it's pretty much producable anywhere on Earth.

A road surface would be useful.

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