National Solar Thermal Test Facility
Plant |
National Solar Thermal Test Facility |
Location |
Albuquerque, NM U.S. |
Owner(s) |
Sandia National Lab |
Capacity (MW) |
5 |
Construction Start Date |
1976 |
Generation Start Year |
1976 |
Heliostat Aperture Area (m²) |
37 |
Heliostat Model |
NSTTF |
Mirror Manufacturer |
Bats USA |
Heliostat Dimension |
6.1m x 6.1m |
Heliostat Facets (C x R) |
5 x 5 |
Solar Field Area (m²) |
8066 |
Tower Height (m) |
63 |
Number of Heliostats |
218 |
Tower Position (Lat/Long) |
34.962,-106.509444 |
General Plant Data
· Location: Albuquerque, NM U.S.
· Owner(s): Sandia National Lab
· Capacity (MW): 5
Source: https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/project-profile-national-solar-thermal-test-facility
Plant Timeline
· Construction Start Date: 1976
· Generation Start Year: 1976
Plant Costs
Heliostat Design
· Heliostat Aperture Area (m²): 37
· Heliostat Model: NSTTF
· Mirror Manufacturer: Bats USA
· Heliostat Dimension: 6.1m x 6.1m
· Heliostat Facets (C x R): 5 x 5
· Solar Field Area (m²): 8066
Source: https://energy.sandia.gov/pre-register-soon-for-sandia-national-laboratories-national-solar-thermal-test-facility-tours-sept-26th-and-30th-during-solarpaces-2022-in-albuquerque-nm/
Tower/Receiver
· Tower Height (m): 63
Source: https://energy.sandia.gov/programs/renewable-energy/csp/
Plant Layout
· Number of Heliostats: 218
· Tower Position (Lat/Long): 34.962,-106.509444
Source: Google map
Lessons Learned
·
National Solar Thermal Test Facility is the only
test facility of this type in U.S.. From many years of
operation and testing, it was shown that heat tracing is a critical component
of the system and especially for molten salt loop system. Also, Flux
distribution measurements are also important [1]. Currently, the molten salt
test loop was developed and supports the SunShot goals. The facility also
provides for accelerated lifetime testing of components, so as to reduce the
risk associated with this technology. The lessons learned from this molten salt
system can also be used for molten salt systems operating over 650 degree Celsius for SunShot project.[2]
Source:
[1] Christian, Joshua Mark. Hardware selection and use for concentrated solar
power operations: Lessons learned at the NSTTF.. United States: N. p., 2016. Web.
[2]“National Solar Thermal Test Facility : Sandia
Energy.” Energy.sandia.gov, energy.sandia.gov/programs/renewable-energy/csp/nsttf/.
Other
Sources:
[1] “National Solar Thermal
Test Facility | Concentrating Solar Power Projects | NREL.”
Solarpaces.nrel.gov,
solarpaces.nrel.gov/project/national-solar-thermal-test-facility.
Link: https://solarpaces.nrel.gov/project/national-solar-thermal-test-facility
[2] “National Solar Thermal Test Facility : Sandia Energy.” Energy.sandia.gov, energy.sandia.gov/programs/renewable-energy/csp/nsttf/.
Link: https://energy.sandia.gov/programs/renewable-energy/csp/nsttf/