Wind Energy

SkyFuel Introduces ReflecTech PLUS for concentrating solar thermal

The new ReflecTech®PLUS film retains all of the advantages of original ReflecTech – unbreakable, outdoor weatherable, lightweight, low cost, and self adhesive – while adding a tough, transparent coating that provides surface protection against abrasion. Both the original ReflecTech and the new ReflecTech PLUS have been rigorously tested at the U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), and demonstrated to be weatherable for over 30 years.
 
"ReflecTech mirror film enables innovative concentrator designs and significant cost reduction," commented SkyFuel’s Chief Technology Officer, Randy Gee. "We’ve designed the SkyTrough to take advantage of all of mirror film’s benefits. And with 30 years of UV weatherability and the new abrasion resistant coating, it just gets better and better."

The development of the abrasion resistant coating was performed as part of a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) with NREL, which is equipped with a state-of-the-art Advanced Optical Materials Lab. "The development of abrasion resistant coatings advances the acceptance of reflective films for next-generation CSP systems, such as those under development at SkyFuel," said Mark Mehos, the Principal Program Manager for Concentrating Solar Power Research. NREL holds the patent for ReflecTech® mirror film, and licenses the film exclusively to ReflecTech, Inc., a subsidiary of SkyFuel.

SkyFuel, Inc. manufactures the SkyTrough® parabolic trough concentrating solar collector – a breakthrough in cost and constructability resulting from significant design and material innovations. SkyFuel’s wholly owned subsidiary, ReflecTech, Inc. holds the exclusive license to manufacture and market ReflecTech® Mirror Film. SkyFuel is developing next-generation, high-temperature parabolic trough and linear Fresnel systems.

www.reflectechsolar.com/