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QUARZ-Zert

Development of CSP-specific product testing procedures

The aim of the QUARZ-Zert project is the quality assurance of the key components of solar thermal power plants, as well as the dissemination of meaningful test methods. As part of QUARZ-Zert, the DLR Institute of Solar Research has expanded existing test methods in its QUARZ® qualification center and developed new quality testing procedures. The performance and reliability of the key components of solar thermal power plants should therefore be more meaningful in the future.

The quantitative assessment of the quality and longevity of key components of the concentrating solar technologies contributes significantly to lowering the risks and costs of thermal power generation from solar energy.

The project was aimed at the following scientific and technical goals:

•     Development of advanced test methods and test stands for parabolic trough receiver pipes
  • Development of a test stand for optical efficiency measurements with improved radiation geometry and high spectral quality
  •  Construction of a heating-cooling unit for the test stands to measure the optical efficiency
  •         Expansion of the aging test rigs for measuring salt and direct evaporation receivers
  •         Scientific research into the transferability of the Arrhenius method to accelerated aging
•     Development of advanced test and calculation methods for mirrors of solar power plants, for the installed state, under operating conditions
  •         Development of finite element models for a concentrator of the EuroTrough geometry and comparison of the calculated shape accuracy data with collector measurement data
  •         Systematic investigation of observed load cases in the laboratory
  •         Evaluation of the influence of different operating conditions on the collector yield using ray tracing
  •         Examination and specification of common aging tests for the applicability for solar mirrors
•     Systematic comparison of test methods and models on the test collector
•     Statement on the change in the specific heat capacity of the heat transfer medium over the period of use under typical operating conditions
•     Definition of comprehensive product testing procedures
•     Bringing the results into standardization activities, benchmarking, committee work
•     Publication of results in conferences and specialist journals