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.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Sciences

Level thesis:degree_level

masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Materials Science and Engineering

Grantor dc:publisher

Case Western Reserve University School of Graduate Studies

Year dc:date

2013

Author dc:creator

• Murray, Myles P.

Contributors dc:contributor

• French, Roger

• Materials Science
• Acrylic
• Degradation
• Photovoltaic
• L&DS

Statement dc:rights

• unrestricted
• This thesis or dissertation is protected by copyright: all rights reserved. It may not be copied or redistributed beyond the terms of applicable copyright laws.

Language dc:language

English

Repository record dc:identifier

http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=case1364987929

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:etd.ohiolink.edu:case1364987929