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Investigation of non-glass heliostat facets
Thesis (MEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2025.
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Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
2026
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| _version_ | 1867614011307065344 |
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| access_status_str | Open Access |
| author | Schnaar-Campbell, Jean Marco |
| author2 | McGregor, Craig |
| author_browse | McGregor, Craig Schnaar-Campbell, Jean Marco |
| author_facet | McGregor, Craig Schnaar-Campbell, Jean Marco |
| author_sort | Schnaar-Campbell, Jean Marco |
| collection | Thesis |
| dc_rights_str_mv | Stellenbosch University |
| description | Thesis (MEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2025. |
| format | Thesis |
| id | oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/134810 |
| institution | Stellenbosch University (South Africa) |
| last_indexed | 2026-06-10T12:45:15.253Z |
| license_str | Other — see source repository |
| provenance_str_mv | Harvested via OAI-PMH from SUNScholar — Stellenbosch University Repository |
| publishDate | 2026 |
| publishDateRange | 2026 |
| publishDateSort | 2026 |
| publisher | Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| publisherStr | Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| record_format | dspace |
| source_str | SUNScholar — Stellenbosch University Repository |
| spelling | oai:scholar.sun.ac.za:10019.1/134810 Investigation of non-glass heliostat facets Schnaar-Campbell, Jean Marco McGregor, Craig Bredell, Johann Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Engineering. Dept. of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering. Heliostats Solar thermal energy Reflection (Optics) Dalle de verre Thesis (MEng)--Stellenbosch University, 2025. Schnaar-Campbell, J. M. 2025. Investigation of non-glass heliostat facets. Unpublished masters thesis. Stellenbosch: Stellenbosch University [online]. Available: https://scholar.sun.ac.za/items/b13472a9-70e8-4851-829e-803cdf12b250 ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis summarises the process of designing novel heliostat facets using nonglass reflectors. Currently all utility-scale solar power tower systems use silvered float glass. Manufacturers of heliostats often face challenges due to the brittle failure of silvered glass, its high mass, and its complex manufacturing process. The project’s aim was to develop feasible alternatives by generating optimised concepts, selecting the best-performing one, manufacturing it, and demonstrating its performance. The literature study revealed a diverse range of heliostat facet designs and components currently in use. It was found that silvered float-glass reflectors, typically 4mm thick, are the predominant choice in utility-scale solar power tower plants. Alternate reflector materials identified include reflective films and polished metals. Various facet support structures were identified, such as frames, composite panels, and formed-sheet designs, which are sometimes used with thinner 1mm glass panels. The first type of facet explored was designed for replacing standard 4mm glass panels with glass-equivalent facets. The second type of facet, referred to as long facets, was designed to utilise the extended lengths of non-glass materials, replacing both the facet itself and the support structure of the heliostat. The feasible reflectors and supports identified in the literature study were explored. Various shaping techniques, including hydroforming and mandrel shaping, were evaluated for their applicability. A set of engineering requirements was identified for both types of facets. Concepts were optimised to minimise cost while adhering to the engineering requirements. The performance of each facet was assessed, based on slope error, mass, and cost. The slope error was numerically assessed with finite element analysis using a representative load case. The sandwich-supported facet was selected for further testing. This selection is due to its ease of small-scale construction, design versatility, and potential for low slope errors and facet mass. The distortion of small samples with different reflectors was tested. The polished metal reflector outperformed the reflective film. For this reason the polished metal reflector was selected for prototype manufacturing. Hydroforming proved, in practice, unfeasible for shaping facets with long focal distances, making it unsuitable for solar power tower systems. A larger prototype was constructed and field-tested. Polished metal reflectors were the most feasible alternative reflector material for heliostat facets. Glass alternate facets proved a potential reduction in facet mass (43.9% for glass-equivalent replacements and 70.0% for long facets). However, the drawback was seen in terms of cost. The estimated cost increases were calculated as 186% and 228% for glass-equivalent and long facets, respectively. AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen opsomming beskikbaar. Masters 2026-01-09T06:31:17Z 2026-01-09T06:31:17Z 2025-12 Thesis https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/134810 Stellenbosch University xv, 107 pages : illustrations application/pdf Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University |
| spellingShingle | Heliostats Solar thermal energy Reflection (Optics) Dalle de verre Schnaar-Campbell, Jean Marco Investigation of non-glass heliostat facets |
| title | Investigation of non-glass heliostat facets |
| title_full | Investigation of non-glass heliostat facets |
| title_fullStr | Investigation of non-glass heliostat facets |
| title_full_unstemmed | Investigation of non-glass heliostat facets |
| title_short | Investigation of non-glass heliostat facets |
| title_sort | investigation of non glass heliostat facets |
| topic | Heliostats Solar thermal energy Reflection (Optics) Dalle de verre |
| url | https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/134810 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT schnaarcampbelljeanmarco investigationofnonglassheliostatfacets |