Optical Fiber Performance for High Solar Flux Measurements in Concentrating Solar Power Applications
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Extreme operating conditions in solar receivers of concentrated solar thermal power plants, such as high temperatures, intense irradiance, and thermal cycling, pose significant challenges for conventional sensors. Optical fibers offer a promising alternative for flux measurement in such environments, but their long-term performance and degradation mechanisms require detailed investigation and characterization. This work presents a proof of concept for high solar flux measurement by using optical fibers as photon-capturing elements and showcases the behavior and damage that these optical fibers undergo when exposed to relevant conditions, including temperatures over 600 °C and flux levels exceeding 400 kW/m2. Three fiber configurations, including polyimide and gold-coated fibers, were tested at a high-flux solar simulator and analyzed via scanning electron microscopy to assess structural integrity and material degradation. Results reveal significant coating deterioration, fiber retraction, and thermal-induced stress effects, which impact measurement reliability. These findings provide essential insights for improving the durability and accuracy of optical fiber-based sensing technologies in concentrating solar energy.
Source: Sensors
DOI: 10.3390/s25164973
Language: English
Topic: Advanced Fiber Optic Sensors
Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
OpenAlex ID: W4413104372