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Point-focus concentrator dish research promises lower solar power plant costs

Journal Article · · Solar Today; (United States)
OSTI ID:7243463
Because of the modularity (which allows a small initial plant size) and high efficiency possible with point-focus concentrators, these devices offer a promising alternative to central receivers for the generation of electricity. However, current parabolic dish designs using a glass reflector mounted on a metal backing cost in excess of $200 per square meter, compared with a cost goal of $130. Replacing a glass/metal reflector with a lightweight stretched membrane has been shown to be an effective way to lower the weight and costs of heliostats, and early experience indicates that this technology can also be successfully applied to dishes. The objectives of stretched membrane dish research at the Solar Energy Research Institute are to analyze structural response and optical performance, and conduct small-scale experiments to explore fabrication approaches and verify the authors analyses. The SERI research program on point-focus concentrator dishes is described.
OSTI ID:
7243463
Journal Information:
Solar Today; (United States), Journal Name: Solar Today; (United States) Vol. 1:3; ISSN SOTOE
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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