In this project, we aim to develop and engineer state-of-the-art absorber/receiver coatings, which will significantly improve the desired characteristics and enhance the performance of the system. For this goal, a combined theoretical / experimental approach will be followed. Initially, the properties of candidate materials for selective coatings will be studied. Subsequently, the suggested coatings will be analyzed theoretically and the interference with the receiver will be simulated. Then, the selective coatings for receiver deposition will be developed. Finally, experiments on an actual parabolic trough collector, to be assembled for this purpose, will be carried out in order to investigate its performance both under normal operating conditions and during stagnation. Possible candidate materials to be used for this purpose are Diamond Like Carbon (DLC) materials. These are known for their good optical properties, characterized by strong absorption in the UVA-UVB spectral region, and for their excellent thermal stability for high-temperature applications.
