High-temperature solar selective absorbing coatings for concentrated solar power systems

For next-generation concentrated solar power (CSP) systems with higher efficiency, they are anticipated to work at temperatures more than 700°C. The conversion efficiency of the CSP systems can be increased if the energy harvested by the thermal receiver is maximized, and the thermal receiver losses are minimized. High-temperature solar selective absorbing coatings (HTSSACs) represent one of the most promising materials, which can effectively increase the harvested solar energy by the thermal receiver of the CSP system. Nevertheless, some characterizations of the HTSSACs, such as the thermal stability test methods, lifetime cycling, corrosion resistance, and accelerating aging mechanisms, are still challenging. This chapter highlights the different types of HTSSACs, including double cermet composite, semiconductor-metal, dielectric metal interference stack, and textured surface HTSSACs. Moreover, the thermal stability testing techniques, the life cycling assessment, and the accelerating aging mechanisms of HTSSACs are also discussed. In addition, the commercial applications of HTSSACs, the challenges and future opportunities for enhancing both optical and thermal properties of HTSSACs for solar receiver-based CSP technologies are also addressed.