GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY,

ABSTRACT:
The Georgia Tech Solar Thermal Advanced Research Center (STARC) program had as a primary objective: the development of a sound technology base for future solar thermal energy systems through research in specific areas related to high temperature applications. Significant improvement in conversion efficiency and future expansion in to a broadened range of commercial markets can be achieved through the use of clean, high temperature, radiant energy which can be uniquely produced by high concentration ratio, solar thermal energy systems. The emphasis is on research in those areas where an understanding or experience base is lacking in phenomena related to the behavior of materials, diagnostic techniques and direct flux absorption in a high temperature, direct solar flux environment which may be found in advanced solar thermal energy conversion systems.

This Final Technical Report covers the contract performance period of January 1, 1983 through December 31, 1983 and is a continuation of the research begun on September 1, 1981.… (more)

ABSTRACT:
Significant improvement in conversion efficiency and future expansion into a broadened range of commercial markets can be achieved through the use of clean, high temperature, radiant energy which can be uniquely produced by high concentration ratio, solar thermal energy systems. Future applications which will require improvement in component technology before implementation include fuels and chemicals, Brayton cycle heat engines, materials processing and direct conversion to electricity. To extend the working temperature range up to 1000° C and above, research is needed in component related areas such as ceramic receivers, direct flux receivers, high temperature storage, and high temperature controls and diagnostics. The Georgia Tech Solar Thermal Advanced Research Center (STARC) program has begun addressing the following research and development needs during the first sixteen months of sponsorship by the U.S. Department of Energy:

(1) Functional and durable materials for high temperature receivers, reactors and energy conversion systems,
(2) Design integration of materials and optical requirements for solar thermal receivers,
(3) Basic engineering data on the use of direct, high solar flux for the production of fuels, chemicals and high temperature process heat,
(4) Improved high temperature diagnostic techniques.

This technical report covers the contract performance period of September 1, 1981 through December 31, 1982. The major sections of this report summarize the Georgia Tech STARC program management structure, program reporting activities and research task objectives. The appendices contain detailed technical progress reports.… (more)

ABSTRACT:
A workshop was held in Washington D.C. on July 29-30, 1981 to gather manufacturers of products related to reflecting surfaces used in solar heliostats to discuss the reliability of solar mirrors. This workshop was sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and was conducted by the Engineering Experiment Station at the Georgi a Institute of Technology. A discussion paper was released to the participants in advance of the workshop in order to stimulate and direct conversation. The goal of the workshop was to present a base of information and to develop industry positions on several key topics related to solar mirror durability.

The proceedings that follow are divided into several sections. First a brief summary of the workshop is presented. Next, the discussion paper, which served as a basis of the workshop deliberations, is included, with slight revisions and clarifications which resulted from the workshop. Finally, a transcript of the workshop discussions is provided, including names and addresses of the participants.… (more)

ABSTRACT:
The purpose of this program was to provide technical assistance in selection of thermal protection systems for the test tower of ERDA 1s 5 MWth Solar Thermal Test Facility(STTF). The STTF, now under construction at Albuquerque, New Mexico, will be used to test solar thermal conversion hardware using focused solar radiation. It is possible that the concrete tower supporting the equipment under test can be illuminated by concentrated solar radiation, with structural damage resulting under certain conditions of incident flux and exposure time. Experimental data were obtained on the response of several concretes to solar radiation at high incident flux levels; threshold fluxes to initiate damage were determined and rates of melting were measured. Design consultation was provided on the arrangement of metallic shielding systems.… (more)