{"id":107031,"date":"2025-05-20T03:05:00","date_gmt":"2025-05-20T01:05:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sonnenseite.com\/?p=107031"},"modified":"2025-05-18T10:06:04","modified_gmt":"2025-05-18T08:06:04","slug":"advanced-coatings-boost-the-competitiveness-of-solar-thermal-energy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sonnenseite.com\/en\/energy\/advanced-coatings-boost-the-competitiveness-of-solar-thermal-energy\/","title":{"rendered":"Advanced coatings boost the competitiveness of solar thermal energy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

NEWS Researchers at Ume\u00e5 University have developed new sustainable coatings that improve the performance of solar thermal collectors \u2013 strengthening solar heat’s position as a climate-smart energy source. Using nanomaterials and simple manufacturing methods, the technology can become both more efficient and more accessible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSolar thermal has great potential to contribute to the green transition, especially as a source of industrial process heat. But the technology needs to become even more competitive to gain broader traction,\u201d says Erik Z\u00e4ll, doctoral student in experimental physics at the Industrial Doctoral School at Ume\u00e5 University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In his doctoral thesis, he demonstrates how optical coatings \u2013 thin films that control how light interacts with surfaces \u2013 can be tailored to improve both efficiency and durability. His work focuses on two key components of solar thermal collectors: the cover glass that allows sunlight to enter, and the receiver that absorbs the light and converts it into heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the glass, Erik Z\u00e4ll has developed an anti-reflective coating made of silica with small, hexagonally ordered pores. By adjusting the size and shape of the pores, as well as the thickness of the coating, he has succeeded in increasing the light transmitted through the glass. At the same time, the coating\u2019s resistance to scratches, dirt and moisture is improved \u2013 factors that would otherwise reduce performance over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the receiver, the thesis presents two solutions. One is an electroplated cobalt-chromium coating that absorbs light thanks to its surface structure. It is produced using a type of chromium that is far more environmentally friendly than those previously used. The second solution is a composite film made of carbon nanotubes and silica, spray coated on annealed stainless steel using ultrasonic technology. The thermal treatment of the steel creates a thin oxide layer that improves both optical properties and heat resistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Both coatings absorb most of the sunlight while emitting very little thermal radiation. They can be manufactured using low-cost, environmentally friendly methods suitable for large-scale production.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The research has been carried out in close collaboration with Swedish solar energy company Absolicon Solar Collector and is directly adapted to their collector technology. The results have led to two patent applications and may eventually lead to more efficient solar thermal collectors, boosting Absolicon\u2019s competitiveness in the global solar thermal market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur work shows that it\u2019s possible to combine sustainability, cost-effectiveness and high performance in optical coatings \u2013 a key to making solar heat a viable alternative to fossil fuels on a larger scale,\u201d says Erik Z\u00e4ll.<\/p>\n\n\n

Source<\/h5>\r\n\n\n\n

Universit\u00e4t Ume\u00e5<\/a> | Text:Sara-Lena Br\u00e4nnstr\u00f6m<\/a> 2025<\/p>\n

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