Setting Parameters of an Erosion Test Bench for Solar Reflectors

Abstract

Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) components are often subject to different degradation phenomena related to the environment in which they are exposed. The later is often an arid environment characterized by high wind velocity and intense turbulence with large quantities of sand and dust that could affect solar components, especially, reflectors. The contact of sand particles with solar reflectors can produce erosion defects that could seriously reduce the optical properties of these components. For a better understanding of erosion mechanisms, a horizontal test bench was designed to conduct erosion tests on solar reflectors using sand particles. It was calibrated assessing different parameters to simulate the real conditions observed while solar reflectors are in service. Several tests were conducted to adjust the air flow homogeneity, the impingement angle, the wind velocity values and the concentration of sand particles. Tests on solar mirrors were carried out to check the reliability and the repeatability of the test bench results with all the parameters used.