DEVELOPMENT AND OPTIMIZATION OF BACK SURFACE ACRYLICSOLARMIRRORS TO ASSURE 25 YEAR LIFETIME PERFORMANCE
Use ofmaterials without sufficient track records, in technologies that performoutdoorsfor long periods, may result in premature degradation or outright failure; howevermanyunproven material systems have not been evaluated for their lifetime performance. Inaddition, they can present opportunities to reduce system costs without negatively impactingperformance. Lifetime and degradation science (L&DS) is used to inform materialchoice, by implementing accelerated weathering protocols alongside periodic evaluationscross-correlated using a stress-response framwork, to mitigate risk of prematureperformance loss. L&DS was implemented for Replex Plastics in development of a novel,low cost, solar-grade mirror with a 25-year performance. New performance metrics forsolar mirrors were developed and used to determine which of a set of acrylic substratesshould be used in the construction of these solar-grade mirrors. Two formulations ofprotective coating were evaluated and possible degradation modes for aluminum backsurfacereflectors were determined. Accelerated weathering protocols that induce damagefrom UV light, temperature, humidity and corrosive environments were performedon bulk materials and components. Analysis of the bulk material transmission, mirror reflectance, and scattering functions were correlated with accelerated weathering protocols for this technology development endeavor.
Materials Science, Acrylic, Degradation, Photovoltaic, L&DS
Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations
Case Western Reserve University School of Graduate Studies