An aerial view of a field of many heliostat reflectors

Heliostat reflectors. Source: Adobe Stock.

WORCESTER, Mass. (November 20, 2023) – The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced Multiscale Systems as one of nine semifinalists in their American-Made Heliostat Prize. The prize is designed to accelerate technology innovation of selected heliostat components.

Heliostats are mirrors designed to track the sun’s movement, reflecting sunlight onto a single focal point. They play a pivotal role in solar power generation, particularly in Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) systems. They offer the ability to efficiently harness solar energy, offering a sustainable, reliable, and versatile renewable energy source, capable of supplying electricity even after sunset by storing thermal energy.

Multiscale Systems will receive $100,000 and will work with DOE national laboratories and other American-Made Network resources to advance its proposal into phase two of the challenge where an initial design will be developed.

Utilizing thermoplastic composite sandwich panels, Multiscale Systems will design lightweight, high-strength structural components that will make heliostats easier to construct, repair, and better able to withstand rigorous environmental conditions.

“We’re thrilled about the opportunity to deploy our MetaCORE technology into the CSP space. I think that the combination of high shear strength core materials bonded to a weatherable thermoplastic fiber-reinforced skin will showcase just what advanced composites can do,” said Art Evans, CTO & Research Director.

a deconstructed view of multiscale system's composite panels for heliostats showing the skins and thermoplastic core.

Watch Multiscale Systems’ Concept Contest submission video:

This award is not the first time Multiscale Systems has competed and won phases of American-Made DOE prizes. In 2021, Multiscale was a Stage 1 winner in the I AM Hydro Prize and that same year progressed to the semifinals of the Geothermal Manufacturing Prize.

Multiscale Systems is a multi-disciplinary team that creates advanced material solutions for new and improved products, systems, and applications. From ideation through to commercialization, we provide technical engineering and advanced manufacturing services to our clients. Our R&D portfolio includes work in aerospace, energy, transportation, and more.

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Media Inquiries

Karen Tisdell
Communications Director
info@multiscalesystems.com

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