Material issues for concentrated solar power (CSP)

Abstract

By concentrated solar radiation thermal energy can be obtained to be used for power generation or for thermal process engineering to produce e.g. solar fuels. There are manifold materials issues comprising specific functionalities on the one hand (e.g. high reflectivity for mirrors, high absorptivity for solar receivers, or suitable reactivity for thermochemical heat storage or thermochemical fuel production). On the other hand, long-term stability of CSP materials under cyclic thermal load and harsh environmental conditions is crucial for future CSP applications. Material issues, such as degradation of SiC Absorbers under desert conditions and cyclic redox reactions employed for future solar thermochemical water splitting or chemical heat storages are discussed in detail.