Investigation of abrasive action of atmospheric particles on the reflectance of mirrors

Journal Article · Tue Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1980 · Appl. Solar Energy (Engl. Transl.); (United States)

OSTI ID:5516985

Zakhidov, R A; Ismanzhanov, A

Atmospheric dust, its particle sizes, and wind-blown effects on solar power plant mirrors are investigated. Experiments were performed with particles from 5-200 microns at wind tunnel speeds of 2-30 m/s, encountering a protected or uncoated aluminum mirror. Wind speed, mirror angle and dust size and concentration per volume air were varied and mirror reflectance, diffuse reflectance, rear reflection, and light transmission through various protective coatings were measured after 60 hrs bombardment. Damage was related to wind speed, with all dust sizes causing damage when wind exceeded 30 m/s. Mirror angles of 90 and 0 deg relative to the wind eliminated damage up to 30 M/s, and SiO2 coatings were found to offer protection up to a 30 deg angle. The experiments indicate that mountain-valley air circulation presents no danger to mirrors, whereas areas of frequent jet winds and loose soil do.

• Research Organization: Akademiia Nauk Uzbekskoi SSR, Tsentral'noe Proektno-Konstruktorskoe Tekhnologicheskoe Biuro Nauchnogo Priborostroeniia, Uzbek SSR
• OSTI ID: 5516985
• Journal Information: Appl. Solar Energy (Engl. Transl.); (United States), Journal Name: Appl. Solar Energy (Engl. Transl.); (United States) Vol. 16:6; ISSN ASOEA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
141000* -- Solar Collectors & Concentrators
ABRASION
COATINGS
DAMAGE
DISASTERS
DISTRIBUTION
DUSTS
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
EQUIPMENT
MIRRORS
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
PARTICLE SIZE
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
POWER PLANTS
PROTECTIVE COATINGS
REFLECTIVITY
SAND
SIZE
SOLAR COLLECTORS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR POWER PLANTS
SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION
STORMS
SURFACE PROPERTIES
WIND