Power Tower Research and Development

Photo of the central tower of the Solar Two power plant. The upper section containing the receiver is white against a blue sky. In the foreground are numerous large flat mirrors or heliostats that track the sun and focus the light onto the receiver.

Heliostats reflect and direct sunlight onto the receiver at the Solar Two power tower in California.
Credit: Sandia National Laboratories / PIX 06051

As part of its research program in concentrating solar power (CSP), the U.S Department of Energy (DOE) sponsors research and development (R&D) for power tower systems. For example, the DOE is working with Hamilton Sunstrand SLS Rocketdyne Corporation to fabricate and test a 200-megawatt molten-salt solar receiver panel for power tower technology.

In addition, research and development activities covering other concentrating solar power technologies also contribute to progress in power tower technologies.

This page links to the following R&D activities by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) and Sandia National Laboratories in various CSP areas relevant to power towers:

Mirror Characterization and Testing—includes R&D on advanced optical materials and a focus on advanced hardcoats and other surface-related issues.
Optical Analysis Tools—includes tools being developed to analyze receiver and mirror alignment for trough systems and dish/engine systems.
Thermal Storage—includes our studies of thermal storage materials, heat-transfer fluids, and systems, predominantly for trough systems.

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