1.
Innovative technology solutions for
sustainability
Innovative technology solutions for
sustainability
ABENGOA SOLAR
1
Portable spectrophotometer Mini Incus
Allowing for the evaluation of receiver tubes in the field

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Mini Incus: introduction
How does a receiver tube work?
ρ
τ
Transmittance (τ)
Absorptance (α=1-ρ)
Outer borosilicate glass
Inner absorber tube coating
 Parameters defining the efficiency of this conversion are
The receiver is a key component in the solar field of parabolic trough plants, since there is where
the conversion from solar radiation to useful thermal energy takes place.
transmittance
reflectance
Receiver tube optical efficiency

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Mini Incus: introduction
Why is it necessary to evaluate the receiver?
It makes more difficult for the light to come into the receiver. It may result in a reduction of absorptance of a considerable amount
of solar energy
 The receiver may accumulate grime on its
glass outer tube
 Degradation of the absorber coating might
also occur
These parameters have a direct impact on production:
Electricity production of the solar plant
Being able to measure these parameters would allow for:
 Optimizing the production
 Daily evaluation of receiver tube performance
 Optimal design of cleaning program, including
establishment of frequency
 Enhancing the plant production models
 Keeping track of the guarantee from receiver providers
Transmittance
decreases
Absorptance
decreases

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Mini Incus: description
 Portable device. Light-weight, reduced size, compact and
ergonomic.
 Transmittance and reflectance measured at a time at each
measurement.
 Two Optical channels. One for transmittance and another
for reflectance.
 Quick. A measurement takes only 40 seconds.
Abengoa has developed a unique and innovative solution
 Use it day or night. Not affected by external light.
 Autonomy. Up to eight hours of continuous measurement.
 Interface. Keyboard and backlighted screen.
 GPS. Measurements tracking.
 Alignment system. Monitoring of absorber tube bending.
Commercially available April 2016
Mini Incus: device description

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Mini Incus: description
 Reflectance and transmittance are measured at 14 different wavelengths:
Expanded uncertainty Uτ (k=2, 95% confidence) 0.4 %
Range of wavelengths measured and uncertainty
- Transmittance and reflectance build
up from 300 to 2500 nm
- ASTM G-173 standard is applied on
the built function in order to obtain
the final results.
 Uncertainty of the measurement

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Mini Incus: commercial application
Statistical evaluation of a 100 MW parabolic trough plant takes 2 hours
Application to commercial plants
 Solana (USA) and Solnova (Spain). Mini Incus used to
obtain valuable information on the receivers’ performance in
these commercial plants.
 Quality control. Tracking specifications of receivers after
being installed in Solana
 International expansion. Progressive worldwide expansion
to the rest of Abengoa’s plants.
 Know-how acquired.
- Soiling ratio of receivers
- State of absorber coating and transmittance after years of
operation
- Efficiency of different cleaning methods
- Impact of rain on transmittance
- Influence of external factors and geographic location on soiling
A step further on the road to reduced STE technology and O&M costs!

7.
Innovative Technology Solutions for
Sustainability
Thanl
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