Annual Report 2006 - Plataforma Solar de Almería

FACILITIES AND INSTALLATIONS
2.5.5 Test Table
This mobile support is located under the focus of the concentrator. It
moves on three axes (X, Y, Z) perpendicular to each other and positions the
test sample with great precision in the focal area.
2.5.6 Distribution of the Flux Density in the Focus
The concentration and distribution of the flux density in the focus characterize
a solar furnace. This distribution usually has a Gaussian geometry and
is characterized by a CCD camera hooked up to an image processor and a
lambertian target. The characteristics of the focus with 100% aperture and
solar radiation of 1000 W/m 2 are: peak flux, 3000 kW/m 2 , total power, 58 kW
and focal diameter, 23 cm [Neumann, 1994].
2.6 Solar Photochemical Facilities
The PTC (Parabolic-
Trough Collector) photochemical
pilot plant is
presently configured in
four 128-m 2 parabolictrough
solar collectors with
two-axis solar tracking and
a concentration factor of
10.5 suns. The 56-mmdiameter
absorber tube is
made of 2-mm-thick borosilicate
glass.
There are several CPC
plants installed at the PSA.
The oldest (1994) consists
of three 3-m 2 modules
tilted 37º from the horizon.
The total system volume is
Figure 2.1
about 250 L and the absorber tube holds 108 L (illuminated volume). In 2002,
a new 15-m 2 collector for experiments of up to 300 L was installed. It also has
small twin 3.08-m 2 prototypes with a 40-L total volume, 22 L of which is irradiated,
for parallel experiments. Since 2004, a new CPC system, with 50-mmdiameter
photoreactor, more suitable for photo-Fenton applications, with tank
and recirculation pump (75 L), has been hooked up to a 150-L biological reactor
based on fixed biomass on an inert matrix, and 50-L ozonization system
with ozone production of up to 15 g O 3 /h. All of it is monitored (pH, T, ORP,
O 2 , flow rate, H 2 O 2 ,0 3 ) by computer. Furthermore, there are also several prototypes
for water disinfection applications (Figure 2.1). There are also three
ultraviolet and two global solar radiation measurement sensors placed horizontally
and tilted 37º (the same angle as the CPCs) to the Earth’s surface. All
of the data are sent to a computer that stores them for later evaluation of
results.
2.7 PSA Analysis Lab
Partial view of the solar
photochemical facilities. Front of
solar CPC collector prototype used
for water disinfection.
The PSA solar chemistry lab is a 75-M 2 building designed to contain all of the
conventional laboratory equipment: work benches, gas extraction hood, storage
space for small amounts of chemicals, centralized gas distribution system,
UPS, safety systems (extinguishers, shower, eyewash, etc.) precision
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