Gema San Vicente

Effect of Additives on the Durability and Properties of Antireflective Films for Solar Glass Covers

Generally, single layer antireflective (AR) coatings are based on SiO 2 for which the low refractive index is achieved by increasing the porosity of the films. On the other hand, the increase of porosity on any material results in a decrease of its mechanical properties. In addition to increasing the solar transmittance, it is equally important that the AR film is long-term stable for its application in solar collectors. In this sense, the objective of our work has been to develop a film that exhibits good AR properties and physical durability as well. In the present study, sol-gel silica films have been deposited on borosilicate glass. The effect of adding some organic compounds to the precursor solution in the properties of the films has been studied. Moreover, accelerated weathering tests have been performed in order to investigate the outdoor durability. A value of solar transmittance as high as 0.974 has been obtained by using a porosity promoter additive. However, the durability tests have shown the necessity of incorporating a hydrophobic additive to the precursor solutions in order to avoid the degradation of the optical properties of the films. 1.5% decrease in solar transmittance is observed after 1900 h in the weathering chamber for films prepared with methyltriethoxysilane.

Standards for Components in Concentrating Solar Thermal Power Plants - Status of the Spanish Working Group

Today Spain is still the worldwide leader in the use of Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) technology with more than 2300 MW installed solar thermal power rated in 2015, compared to the 4600 MW installed worldwide. In order to improve the quality of current plants and require the best quality for future plants, the subcommittee SC 117 “Thermoelectric Solar Energy Systems”, which is part of the committee AEN/CTN 206 for electricity production, works on different aspects of the plants since 2010. This paper gives an overview of the state of the publications in draft to qualify the performance and the durability of the main components of the solar field (receiver tubes, solar tracking systems, reflectors, heat transfer fluids, collectors and specific sensors). A summary of the main tests set for each component in the future Spanish standards is presented. The first complete standard drafts will be ready by the end of the current year 2015 and most are expected to be published within the following years.

Towards standardized testing methodologies for optical properties of components in concentrating solar thermal power plants

Precise knowledge of the optical properties of the components used in the solar field of concentrating solar thermal power plants is primordial to ensure their optimum power production. Those properties are measured and evaluated by different techniques and equipment, in laboratory conditions and/or in the field. Standards for such measurements and international consensus for the appropriate techniques are in preparation. The reference materials used as a standard for the calibration of the equipment are under discussion. This paper summarizes current testing methodologies and guidelines for the characterization of optical properties of solar mirrors and absorbers.