Components

Test bench for measuring heat losses
Component test on the parabolic trough receiver.

Receiver of a parabolic trough collector
In the receiver, the concentrated solar radiation is converted into heat and transferred to a heat transfer oil.
As part of the QUARZ® Center, DLR develops qualification methods for components of concentrated dolar power (CSP) plants to evaluate their performance parameters and ageing resistance.
The QUARZ® Center offers the following measurement services, among others:
- Mirrors: Mirror shape measurement (QDec) and reflectance determination, ageing in climate chambers, pad angle measurement, pad pull-off test
- Collector Structure: 3D shape accuracy, free-standing, under load, in various load conditions
- Tracking Unit: Measurement of tracking accuracy
- Parabolic Trough Receiver: Heat loss measurement, optical efficiency, bellows cycle durability, overheating tests, thermal cycling, abrasion test of the anti-reflective coating, resistance in climate chambers, hail impact test
- Flexible Pipe Connections (REPA): Cycle durability and operational forces under working pressure and temperature
Additionally, components and systems can be assessed in the context of the overall power plant. Our qualification methods reflect the latest research and standardisation by organisations such as IEC, SolarPACES Tasks, and AENOR. For further information and enquiries about customised testing, feel free to contact us.
Contact
Dr.-Ing. Peter Heller
Head of Department Qualification
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
Institute of Solar Research
Calle Doctor Carracido 44, E-04005 Almería
Spain