Development of soiling-process characterization methods for solar mirrors, for analysing mirror-cleaning-processes

The focus of this EngD project is to understand the utilisation of plasma-assisted surface conditioning of low-iron glass solar reflecting mirrors for concentrating solar thermal power applications.
The Global Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) market was valued at over $3 Billion US in 2016 and is anticipated to grow by 13% by 2025. CSP plants generate electricity by concentrating sun light with large arrays of mirrors which are usually located in desert regions. Consequently, the mirrors get covered in sand and dust, and require cleaning with brushes and water on a regular basis. Currently much water is used to clean the mirrors, a precious resource in arid terrains. The aim of this project is to investigate the characteristics of a novel atmospheric pressure plasma system used to condition CSP concentrating mirrors which will be capable of reducing the amount of water used in the cleaning process.
There is also a compelling business desire to undertake this project. The development of a novel atmospheric pressure plasma system will be a significant game changer in the CSP market. Such a disruptive technology is anticipated to yield significant commercial benefits.
The project will include the following stages within the overall research methodology:
1) Modeling and simulation of the deposition of sand and dust onto mirror surfaces at a variety of different geographical locations
2) Experimental analysis of sand and dust saltation, erosion, abrasion, and suspension in arid regions within the solar belt (typically within the tropical latitudes).
3) Characterisation of mirror surfaces by interferometry, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive x-ray analysis for elemental compositional identification, photogrammetry for shape distortion, reflectometry for specular reflectance, and contact angle measurements to determine surface condition.