Hydro's Extrusion Americas unit has issued a new white paper examining aluminum's emerging role in concentrated solar power (CSP) fields used for utility scale energy generation. The white paper is free and can be obtained by completing the online form at www.hydro.com/whitepaper.
"Seeing the Light: The Use of Aluminum Support Structures in Concentrated Solar Power Energy Generating Facilities" details extruded aluminum's versatility and its advantages in solar structures based on its ability to:
- Deliver precise machining to provide a high strength-to-weight ratio;
- Provide suitable support using fewer parts produced with high recycled content;
- Minimize transportation and assembly costs;
- Ensure quick assembly and accurate alignment and movements in the field;
- Provide full recyclability at end of life.
With the recent signing of a contract to supply extruded aluminum solar collector assemblies (SCAs) for the a new 75 megawatt field in Florida, Hydro now is the industry leader with nearly 300 megawatts of experience in its CSP portfolio.
In utility-scale CSP generation, the solar field accounts for at least 50 percent of the power plant's total cost. SCAs constitute approximately 25 percent of those costs.
SCAs play a critical role in solar efficiency. While parabola-shaped mirrors concentrate the sun's rays, it is the supporting metal architecture ─ trusses, frames, arches, etc. ─ that guarantees reflector alignments and provides the strength needed to withstand common forces, stresses, movements and wind loads. These factors directly impact the facility's efficiency, and thus factor into bottom line calculations for plant operators.
