COSmIC

In this first project, in collaboration with AIN, CENER has designed, fabricated and installed an initial prototype of an innovative and versatile cylindrical-parabolic collector for industrial and urban ground or roof use with the goal of having the following novel characteristics: high versatility, lightweight, easy to install, with a system for rotating around the pipe, no problematic flexible joints and able to integrate into architecture.

The design and evaluation of the prototype has been done by applying R&D to the development of every component of the collector.

1. Alternatives different from the traditional tempered mirror, whose maximum curvature is very limited, have been studied to use as the reflective material for the cylindrical-parabolic collector. Alternatives have been analysed that allow greater curvature than a mirror reflector. Aluminium sheet with a plastic resin core was chosen for the first prototype because of its lightness and durability.
2. As an innovative structural concept, a concept was developed that avoids the need to use the problematic flexible joints in the installation and also simplifies and facilitates the movement of the assembly because it is balanced
3. Another innovative aspect of the project is the receiver. A simpler and more economic receiver is being developed without glass metal welding and without a high vacuum system for target working temperatures of 180-250ºC. A selective coating that is stable under the elements must be developed for the receiver to have high efficiency. The new selective coating is being developed by the advanced surfaces engineering area of AIN.
4. A glass cover on the opening plane has also been incorporated into the design as a novel element in contrast to existing solutions. That will give the new design greater durability, increase structural stability and simplify cleaning and maintenance operations.

In summary, on one hand, the project seeks to develop a collector that is highly innovative and disruptive compared with existing solutions and that can work at temperatures up to 250ºC in industrial processes that require heat. And on the other hand, it seeks to take on the challenge of developing selective coatings without having to use a protective vacuum for them, which provides a greater competitive advantage. The prototype for an initial module was developed in the first year of the project. Global performance tests and an improved version of the prototype are expected for 2020. And in 2021, the design, fabrication and installation of a small series of collectors is expected.