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Design, experimental validation, and theoretical analysis of a difunctional mirror for radiation heat dissipation

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  • Zhang, Han
  • Hu, Tianxiang
  • Si, Haoyu
  • Hao, Yong
  • Zhao, Bin
  • Wang, Qiliang
  • Pei, Gang

Abstract

Parabolic trough concentrating (PTC) solar power generation, a mature concentrating solar power technology, often encounters water scarcity in desert locations, limiting the option of the cooling system. To address the challenges, radiative cooling (RC), a entirely passive method, was introduced and integrated into the reflecting mirrors in solar field of the PTC system, eliminating water consumption and additional land use for cooling. In this context, a specific structure for the difunctional mirror is designed, and a small-scale outdoor experimental platform is set up to investigate its heat dissipation potential. Besides, the difunctional mirror with an infrared emission-enhanced Jinmenzi white paint on the rear surface is tested and analyzed during both daytime operation and nighttime off-work periods. Through experimental research and theoretical simulation on the difunctional mirror, the results demonstrate a maximum heat dissipation of 782.8 W/m2 in the experiment, confirming the feasibility of the difunctional mirror's heat dissipation function. At night, the difunctional mirror coated with white paint shows better heat dissipation performance than that without white paint, with a relative increase in heat dissipation ranging from 22.5 % to 58.5 %.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhang, Han & Hu, Tianxiang & Si, Haoyu & Hao, Yong & Zhao, Bin & Wang, Qiliang & Pei, Gang, 2025. "Design, experimental validation, and theoretical analysis of a difunctional mirror for radiation heat dissipation," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 242(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:242:y:2025:i:c:s0960148125000916
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.122429
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    References listed on IDEAS

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