Integration of a non-immersion ultrasonic cleaning system in a solar concentrating field

To obtain a peak optical performance in concentrating solar thermal plants, an extensive frequent cleaning must be applied, which involves high water consumption [1]. This article describes the scaling up and development of the ultrasonic cleaning system patented by IK4-TEKNIKER with low water consumption for a heliostat field at the CIEMAT-Plataforma Solar de Almería (PSA) facilities. In previous editions of SolarPACES Conference, the results of the laboratory scale system were presented [2]. This work focuses on the scaling up of the ultrasonic (US) cleaning system and its integration at the PSA solar facility. Based on a 200 mm long resonant band laboratory system, the current work presents its extension to a length of 1 m, the development of the guidance system, the incorporation of deionized water and some preliminary tests. After being assembled and tested at the IK4-TEKNIKER facilities, the system was sent to be deployed on one facet of the CESA heliostat field, under real operating conditions. In turn, it will be possible to obtain the first water consumption data, electric power consumption and relative reflectance (or cleanliness factor, CF) of the mirror after the cleaning process, among others. The work carried out allows to glimpse the advantages and disadvantages of the system compared to conventional cleaning systems (pressurize water jets) not only from the point of view of the cleaning process, but also from the operational point of view.