Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics for solar receivers: spectral and high-temperature emittance characterization

Abstract

We report on the preparation, room temperature spectral reflectance and high-temperature thermal emittance characterization of different boride and carbide Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics (UHTCs). The investigated samples are compared with a reference material for solar absorber applications, i.e. silicon carbide. We show that spectral and thermal emittance properties of UHTCs are promising for novel solar receivers.

Keywords

• concentrating solar power
• ultra-high temperature ceramics
• emittance
• solar absorbers
• borides
• carbides
• optical properties