Keywords:Concentrating Solar Power (CSP); solar collector
Publisher:Pasadena, CA : Jet Propulsion Laboratory, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 2013
Citation:SunShot CSP Program Review 2013, Phoenix, Arizona, April 23-25, 2013
Abstract:
This research addresses a cost barrier towards achieving a solar thermal collector system with an installed cost of $75/m2 and meet the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) performance targets for optical errors, operations during windy conditions and lifetime. Current concentrators can cost as much as 40-50% of the total installed costs for a CSP plant. In order to reduce the costs from current $200-$250/m2, it is important to focus on the overall system. The reflector surface is a key cost driver, and our film-based polymer reflector will help significantly in achieving DOE’s cost target of $75/m2. The ease of manufacturability, installation and replacement make this technology a compelling one to develop. This technology can be easily modified for a variety of CSP options including heliostats, parabolic dishes and parabolic troughs.
