Solarlite Duckwitz / DLR, Cologne

Project description

Further development of a parabolic trough collector using a composite structure for direct steam generation and for use in decentralised power plants with combined heat and power

Sponsored by the Rentenbank with funds from the Federal Ministry of Nutrition, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (BMELV)

Project partners

• Institute for Solar Reasearch at German Aerospace Center ( go to website )

Project aim:

Further development of a parabolic trough collector using a composite structure for direct steam generation and for use in decentralised power plants with combined heat and power. The aim is to optimise energy output and simultaneously reduce investment costs, in order to make the technology interesting for a wide customer base.

Results:

The result of the research project is a new parabolic collector developed for the market with the name Solarlite SL 4600. The aim was to develop a collector with a significantly higher efficiency. The research project optimised the collector and a prototype was created. This was subjected to comprehensive tests and measurements in cooperation with the German Aerospace Centre.
More information on the SL 4600

The increase in optical efficiency up to 75.3% through the use of new materials ensures an improved exploitation of solar energy, which in turn leads to a more cost-effective energy supply.

The modular construction system makes a decentralised in situ energy supply possible, without the need for long transfer distances (isolated applications). Combined heat and power and the use of residual heat for industrial applications makes the system flexible and economically interesting.

New materials make the SL 4600 light. Costs for transport, assembly and maintenance can therefore by reduced, and service life is extended.

With the SL 4600, the company was able to not only achieve substantial reductions in costs and weight, but also reduce the area necessary for a solar field through heightened optical efficiency.

The new parabolic trough collector achieves higher operating temperatures and is particularly efficient in sun-rich areas with solar radiation of 1,600 kWh/m². The company's flexible system for regions without connection to the energy grid is of interest here.

Finalist Deutscher Innovationspreis (German Innovation Award)

Solarlite CSP Technology GmbH was finalist in the "Startup" category at the "Deutscher Innovationspreis 2010" (German Innovation Award 2010) for the development of the SL 4600.

Newcomer of the Year

In an industry competition, the "CSP Today Award", Solarlite CSP Technology GmbH was nominated "Newcomer of the Year".