Measurement of the spectral transmittance of glass samples
Measurement of the spectral transmittance of glass samples to characterize anti-reflective coatings
Image: 2/2, Credit:
CIEMAT
In the OPAC laboratory, researchers investigate the durability of materials and coatings. The research facility is located on the Plataforma Solar de Almería (PSA) in Spain and is the result of a successful collaboration between DLR and CIEMAT, the owner of the PSA. The laboratory's expertise lies in materials or coatings for concentrating solar thermal systems in the context of the energy transition.
As an independent testing laboratory, the OPAC laboratory has tested most of the reflectors used in commercial CSP plants (solar power plants). However, the testing and characterisation methods used are also transferable to other materials or coatings, such as components from the photovoltaic or building sector.
Climatic chambers for ageing tests
Climatic chambers for accelerated ageing tests are available in the OPAC laboratory. Examples of frequently used tests for material qualification are
Heat-humidity and condensation tests (IEC 62108, IEC 61215, ISO 6270-2)
Salt spray tests (NSS & CASS ISO9227)
UV/humidity cycling tests (ISO 16474-3)
Temperature cycling tests (IEC 62108, ISO 1279-2, ISO 61215)
Abrasion tests using sand and cleaning (DIN 52348, MIL STD810G, ISO 9211-4)
Outdoor tests
The research centre also offers tests in real desert and coastal climates or industrial environments (outdoor weathering tests). These serve as a reference for the laboratory tests. Two specially designed test rigs are also available here. Increased radiation (two and ten times) enables faster ageing of materials and coatings.
Scientists analyse the tested materials in detail in the OPAC laboratory. They carry out microscopic inspections and measure the optical and thermal properties. These include
Spectral emission measurements using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, also known as FTIR
Spectral reflectance, transmittance and absorbance using a photospectrometer
Directional reflectance with commercial monochromatic reflectometers and self-developed spectral devices
