Modifications to 25m2 target-aligned research Heliostat mirror panels

Abstract

Several heliostat mirror panels of the CSIR 25m2 target-aligned heliostat suffered corrosion-related failure, prompting a panel redesign. Two test samples of the new design were subjected to mechanical and thermal cycling tests in an attempt to simulate accelerated life loading, as well as simulated hail testing. While the samples survived all tests without failure, the results are not fully conclusive as the mechanical cycling and hail test sample was manufactured of 4mm instead of the design 3mm mirror sheet. The test results nonetheless suggest that a sample made of 3mm mirror sheet would successfully survive the tests, and preparations for such tests are underway. Conclusive thermal cycling tests require a reduced scale mirror panel to be manufactured and tested in an environmental test chamber.