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QUARZ: Test and Qualification Center for Concentrating Solar Power Technologies

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Receiver Qualification

The receiver is a key component of a parabolic trough power plant. Several test benches are operated at the QUARZ-Center for the characterization of the properties of parabolic trough receivers.

DLR QUARZ Laboratory: ThermoRec test bench

ThermoRec: Thermal loss (heat loss) measurement test bench

Thermal loss power measured as a function of absorber temperature
Absorber heated by electric resistance heating
At steady state power consumption equals thermal losses

DLR QUARZ Laboratory: EliRec Prüfstand

ElliRec: Elliptical linear focus sun simulator receiver test bench

Measurement of optical efficiency relative to optical efficiency of the DLR reference receiver DLR 70-1
Metal vapor arc lamps (HMI) with spectrum similar to sunlight and 16 kW electrical power
Reproducible test conditions of concentrated irradiation on a linear focus of length 5 m

DLR QUARZ - Receiver Qualification with KONTAS test bench on Plataforma Solar de Almería

Kontas: Outdoor rotary test bench designed for the characterization of parabolic trough modules, also used for component testing of receivers and mirrors

2-axis tracking for receivers
Heating and cooling unit, operation with oil, maximum temperature 400 °C
Operability tests
Planned: receiver performance test

Overheating Test Bench: The overheating test bench is used for the overheating of parabolic trough receivers. Overheating of the absorber incluces accelerated aging of the absorber coating.

Electrical heater inside of absorber tube, max. 3600 W and 600 °C
Overheating test, e.g. 480 °C for 1000 h
Thermal cycling test, e.g. cycling between 200… 480 °C for 100 cycles

Bellow Fatigue Test Bench: In this test bench the glass envelope of the receiver is fixed and the absorber tube is pushed back and forth.

Heating of absorber to 400 °C at the bellows, 200 °C in the middle
Test for 10 000 cycles or until failure

Institute of Solar Research (1.04 MB)

Quarz: Qualification Center for Concentrating Solar Power Technologies - Flyer (2.89 MB)

Mirror and Absorber Qualification

Mirrors and Collector Shape Qualification

Receiver Qualification

Thermal Performance Testing

Test Reports - Download