1. Low-Cost, Light Weight, Thin Film Solar Concentrator
- Author
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Ganapathi, G, Palisoc, A, Nesmith, B, Greschik, G, Gidanian, K, and Kindler, A
- Subjects
Energy Production And Conversion - Abstract
This research addresses a cost barrier towards achieving a solar thermal collector system with an installed cost of $75/sq m 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/sq m, 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/sq m. 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.
- Published
- 2013