Concentrating Solar Collectors

Concentrating collectors are a key technology for both solar thermal electric power plants (CSP or STE) and concentrated solar process heat (CSH).

At Fraunhofer ISE, we do research on all three major concentrator technologies and on innovative collector prototypes.

Together with our industry partners, we develop and optimize collectors. To reach higher efficiencies, increasing the working temperatures by using novel heat transfer fluids, is one challenge in technology development. We tackle this on the one hand with innovative developments of high-performance materials, coatings and components. On the other hand we apply cutting-edge modeling, simulation and optimization approaches based on our in-house software suites Raytrace3D and ColSimCSP.

We actively foster the penetration of state-of-the-art and future technology trends like digitalization, Industry 4.0 or additive production.

On the testing side, we cover a large range of services for our industry clients: Characterization and quality control of components during production, installation and operation.

We offer enhanced dynamic in-situ testing for all temperature ranges.

Beyond the state-of-the-art, we develop new testing methodologies and contribute actively to normative processes.