Development of the receiver tubes for high solar-thermal conversion efficiency at high temperature

Receiver tubes are the most important components in high temperature solar thermal energy systems to raise solar thermal conversion efficiency. We have been developing two advanced technologies for more efficient and durable receiver tubes: solar-selective absorber coatings for the metal tubes and hybrid anti-reflective coatings for the glass envelopes. These advanced technologies were integrated into our prototype receiver tubes for operating at 550°C, and their performance with low heat loss of 630 W/m at 550°C was demonstrated.