High-Temperature Concentrating Solar Technologies for direct surface processing of metallic parts

Abstract

Surface modification, as a sub-field of Surface Engineering, targets on enhancing the performance and longevity of metallic parts that operate under severe environments that involve wear, abrasion, erosion and cavitation. Addressing these issues is crucial as industries strive towards sustainable solutions amidst global climate concerns. In particular, there is an increasing interest to develop new routes based on renewable energy sources that would be a reliable and efficient alternative to conventional surface modification processes of metals. The work presented here aims at the application of high-temperature Concentrating Solar Technologies for processing of metallic parts. Since 2014, a series of such “solar” campaigns implemented at Plataforma Solar de Almeria (Spain) by the authors’ groups, which were targeted to the direct elaboration of wear-resistant composite surface layers, led to the proof-of-concept that, indeed, concentrated solar energy can be a promising renewable energy solution for the direct surface processing of metallic parts. The project TWINSOLARSURF (“Twinning for solar energy-driven surface engineering of metallic parts”), a Horizon Europe-funded project that started in October 2024 and will last 3 years, capitalizes on these promising scientific results and aims to contribute to the development of a novel ecosystem in the frame of “Green Metallurgy” and in general of “Green Manufacturing”. The consortium will work on an exploratory project on the research playground of surface processing of metallic materials for use in aggressive environments e.g. wear, abrasion, erosion and high temperature. In particular it will pursue the parallel development of ultra-hard as well as thermal barrier coatings (TBCs). The former will be elaborated on steel substrates via concentrated solar thermal energy; the latter will be targeted to protect metallic ducts carrying the heat transfer fluids in such solar thermal plants from excessive solar irradiation retarding their sensible heating beyond critical temperatures and mitigating the consequences of temperature overshooting. In parallel the partners will work together on a strategic plan for co-developing a space of excellence via a capacities’ building programme, sharing knowledge, integrating expertise and skills and delving into new research avenues. The overall approach is fully linked to the European Green Deal strategy for green industrial technologies of the future, further penetration of renewable energies and building the skilled research personnel capable of addressing the global societal, political and environmental challenges of our future ecosystem.