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Evaluation of the Optical Perfomance of a Prototype Stretched-Membrane Mirror Module for Solar Central Receivers
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1989
Year
Optical MaterialsEngineeringSolar Central ReceiversOptic DesignOptical TestingSpace OpticSolar Thermal ProgramPhotovoltaicsOptical PropertiesActive OpticsOptical SystemsInstrumentationSolar Thermal EnergyGraded-reflectivity MirrorsSolar Energy UtilisationElectrical EngineeringSolar PowerPrototype Mirror ModuleFamiliar Glass MirrorsOptical TolerancingOptical SciencesOptical PerfomanceOptical System Analysis
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-membrance 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 50m2 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.