Environmental effects on solar concentrator mirrors

Multiple samples of eight candidate solar concentrator mirrors, including both first and second-surfaces types, were deployed 2.13 m above ground level. This exposure included the majority of the 1977, 1978 and 1979 dust storm seasons in West Texas. Additional samples were deployed at the 28.96–30.4...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Solar energy 1981, Vol.27 (6), p.497-511
Main Authors: Bethea, R.M., Barriger, M.T., Williams, P.F., Chin, S.
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:Multiple samples of eight candidate solar concentrator mirrors, including both first and second-surfaces types, were deployed 2.13 m above ground level. This exposure included the majority of the 1977, 1978 and 1979 dust storm seasons in West Texas. Additional samples were deployed at the 28.96–30.48 m elevation on a radio transmitter tower. The samples were evaluated at regular intervals and after every major dust and hailstorm and after most thunderstorms in the area. All materials tested failed except the Carolina Glass Co. mirrors. Polymeric materials failed due to disintegration of the reflective (second) surface; one first surface material failed due to hailstone pitting. Other materials failed due to blistering of the reflective surface or the inability to withstand 1.27–2.54 cm hail. These results are confirmed by the reflectivity and topographic studies (by scanning electron microscopy) reported here. The effects of different methods used to clean naturally occurring dust deposits from the mirrors is reported in terms of changes in reflectivitity.
ISSN:0038-092X
1471-1257
DOI:10.1016/0038-092X(81)90045-1