The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced Multiscale Systems as one of six finalists of the American-Made Challenge Heliostat Prize. Multiscale will now advance to the “Assess” contest phase where we will advance our thermoplastic composite heliostat components from proof of concept to a prototype.

The prize aims to accelerate technology innovation of selected heliostat components and is comprised of three contests: Concept, Design, and Assess.

Finalists have been awarded $180,000 each to develop their prototypes. Multiscale’s innovation focuses on replacing steel components within heliostat structures. Steel is costly, heavy, requires specialized equipment and training to install or repair, can rust and corrode, and suffers from volatile pricing. For concentrated solar power (CSP) systems to compete effectively against other thermal energy sources like natural gas, it needs to be more cost effective.

Thermoplastic composite components offer a compelling solution to this critical challenge. In addition to being significantly lighter they are:

• UV and corrosion resistant
• Sustainable and recyclable
• Easier to install/repair
• Experience less fatigue from thermal cycling
• Able to take advantage of domestic scaled manufacturing

Prototypes will focus on replacing mirror supports and beam-like structures such as struts and torque tubes. Multiscale’s thermoplastic structural components are unique in that they contain MetaCORE^®, a patented core technology that provides eight times the specific strength compared to equivalent steel components.

Watch Multiscale’s video submission for the Design contest stage:

In CSP systems, heliostats are structures that track the sun’s movement and reflect its light onto a focal point, which is then used to generate electricity. As a means of renewable energy generation, CSP is vital piece of the puzzle in the Department of Energy’s goal to decarbonize the U.S. economy by 2050.

Multiscale Systems has been actively involved in developing innovative solutions to environmental challenges. Involvement with previous DOE prizes has included technology to lower the cost of hydro power and increased component resilience within enhanced geothermal systems.