Assessment of the erosion risk of sandstorms on solar energy technology at two sites in Morocco. (1st March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wiesinger, Florian; Sutter, Florian; Wolfertstetter, Fabian; Hanrieder, Natalie; Fernández-García, Aránzazu; Pitz-Paal, Robert; Schmücker, Martin
• Is Part Of: Solar energy. Volume 162(2018)
• Page Start: 217
• Page End: 228
• Publication Date: 2018-03-01
• Subjects: Concentrating solar power -- Sand erosion -- Site assessment -- Mirror abrasion -- Solar reflector aging; Solar energy -- Periodicals; Solar engines -- Periodicals; 621.47
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solener.2018.01.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0038-092X

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: Literature review about erosion and saltation potential of sand is presented. Site assessment of two representative CSP locations in Morocco has been performed. Measured field data indicate higher risk of sandstorms in Zagora than in Missour. Reflectance losses of exposed solar mirrors support sandstorm risk assumptions. Checklist with 7 items is given to estimate the sandstorm risk for an unknown site. Abstract: This multi-disciplinary research paper should help solar power plant developers to perform an advanced site assessment in arid locations where the annual irradiance levels are high, but significant quantities of airborne sand and dust increase the risk of optical energy losses due to extinction, soiling, erosion damage (also known as abrasion), etc. Due to these effects sandstorms have a direct consequence on the operation and maintenance (O&M) costs. The work presented in the following characterizes airborne sand and dust material and later focuses on the resulting erosion effects. Some important meteorological and geological parameters for sandstorm occurrence and the resulting erosive damage on glass materials by impacting windblown material are extracted from literature. The respective parameters have been measured at two locations in Morocco (Zagora and Missour). After evaluation of wind and humidity data and a comprehensive soil analysis, the erosion risk was estimated to be higher in Zagora. The specular reflectance loss of exposed silvered-glass reflectors of 5.9% in Zagora and 0.8% in Missour after 25 months of exposure verified this estimation. Additionally, a specular reflectance analysis on a mirror sample that has been exposed for nine months in Kuwait is shown. On that sample specular reflectance losses of more than 40% were measured. A checklist with seven items is given in the conclusion to help solar plant developers to evaluate the risk of component aging due to sand storm erosion.