Upgrading of ENEA solar mirror qualification set-up

Abstract

Recently a new method for characterization of mirrors for concentrating solar power has been proposed: starting from the hemispherical reflectance spectrum and the data obtained with a dedicated experimental set-up, the solar near-specular reflectance at off-normal incidence and in the range 0-20 mrad of (half) acceptance-angle is predicted. The limits of the reflectometers commonly used in specularity study, and the advantages of the new experimental set-up are discussed. The most relevant modifications, among the latest ones carried out in view of the forthcoming set-up commercialization, are described: direct measurement of diffuse reflectance beyond 20 mrad; adoption of cheaper, more compact, and less coherent lasers; new procedure of data processing to get more reliable coherent-free assessment. © 2013 The Authors.