Evaluation of the optical performance of a prototype stretched-membrane mirror module for solar central receivers

Journal Article · Wed Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1989 · J. Sol. Energy Eng.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1115/1.3268285· OSTI ID:6222769

Alpert, D J; Houser, R M

The United States Department of Energy's solar thermal program is testing an innovative concept for the heliostats used in a solar central-receiver power plant: replacing the familiar glass mirrors with stretched-membrane reflectors. Because of their simplicity and lighter weight, heliostats using membrane reflectors have the potential to cost significantly less than glass-mirror heliostats. To assess the optical performance of these new heliostats, a 50m/sup 2/ prototype mirror module, representative of a commercial scale design, was built and installed for testing at the Central Receiver Test Facility. The results of the testing program are presented, including the optical performance of the stretched-membrane mirror, the performance of the mirror's focus control system in windy conditions, the performance of the defocus system, and the durability of the reflective film.

• Research Organization: Central-Receiver Technology Div., Organization 6226, Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (US)
• OSTI ID: 6222769
• Journal Information: J. Sol. Energy Eng.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Sol. Energy Eng.; (United States) Vol. 111:1; ISSN JSEED
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140702* -- Solar Thermal Power Systems-- Central Receiver
CENTRAL RECEIVER TEST FACILITY
CENTRAL RECEIVERS
CONTROL SYSTEMS
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAMS
DESIGN
ENERGY
ENERGY SOURCES
GLASS
MIRRORS
NATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
PERFORMANCE
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
SOLAR ENERGY
SOLAR RECEIVERS
TEST FACILITIES
US DOE
US ORGANIZATIONS