Improvement of WET cleaning technique of CSP reflector mirrors using novel liquids

Abstract

Concentrated solar power (CSP) plants are one of the most advanced technologies in terms of generating electricity from solar energy. However, this technology is facing many issues; one of their main issues is their high consumption of water in their daily operations. In this context, the purpose of this paper is to find a new solution that can be implemented in the CSP plants projects to reduce the water consumption during the washing operation of reflector mirrors. Based on the extended DLVO theory and the Good–van Oss model to describe the adhesion between the reflector mirrors and cleaning liquids during the process of cleaning. Additives are proposed to increase the spreading of water when in contact with the surfaces of CSP reflector mirrors. All the chosen additives that have a low work of adhesion are suggested to be mixed with water in order to increase the spreading and the wettability of water. In this research, the natural Ghassoul it’s highly recommended to be mixed with water. In fact, the natural Ghassoul contain both a hydrophilic side (water loving), and a hydrophobic side (water hating); one side contains positive charges and the other side contain negative charges. In addition to Natural Ghassoul, a list of additives has been proposed to increase the effectiveness of CSP plants by mixing with water for a good spreading in contact with the surfaces of reflector mirrors during the cleaning process.