NATIONAL SOLAR THERMAL TEST FACILITY USER FACILITY The National Solar Thermal Test Facility is among the largest of facilities that research, develop, and test solar thermal components and systems. The facility also conducts tests on other technologies where intense thermal flux is needed. Its large-scale solar concentrators can be used for optical experiments such as astronomy and laser applications. The facility's solar systems, combined with support capabilities, provide unmatched flexibility in test capabilities. The facility has numerous unique capabilities including a 61-meter (200ft.) power tower with four test stations and an associated field of 220 computer-controlled tracking mirrors that provide 5 MW of total thermal power at a peak flux of 260 W/cm2. These facilities are used to support evaluation of solar heat engines and associated solar thermal receivers. An engine test laboratory is available for performing ground-testing of solar receivers and externally-heated engines. Two solar furnaces, having 16 and 60 kW total power ratings support testing of solar components, processes, and high-temperature materials. The facility's parabolic troughs can be used to generate process heat and to photocatalytically destroy organic contaminants in ground water. A computer-controlled test platform that can be rotated to follow the sun's position and its associated fluid loop supports testing of components and systems, such as solar troughs. Thermal simulation applications have included characterization of hot boresight error associated with aerodynamic heating of radomes and evaluation of nuclear thermal effects on samples as large as a full-scale airplane cockpit subassembly. A windowed wind tunnel permits characterization of the effect of nuclear thermal flash during simulated flight conditions. The facility's large-scale optical systems have been used as light collectors for astronomy research and have been considered for various laser applications. Support capabilities include data acquisition and control equipment, a large assembly building with machine shop, fork lifts and aerial platforms, and heat rejection and thermal transport equipment for a variety of working fluids. The facility's staff of 25 includes mechanical, electric power, controls, and software engineers, electrical and mechanical technicians, welder/assemblers, and a journeyman electrician. A majority of the staff have more than ten years experience in solar applications and thermal simulations requiring high-heat flux. Test personnel support all stages of experiments, including planning, design, beam specification and characterization operations, controls, data collection and analysis, and reporting. The services of the center are available to the private sector and government agencies on a first come, first serve basis. However, the proposed project activities must not compete with those offered in the private industry. Private sector organizations can contract for use of these facilities and services through a User Facility Agreement; government organizations can contract with Sandia through a Work for Others Agreement. Both processes are reasonable, easy to implement and provide for cost reimbursement for the use of Sandia' staff and facilities. To make arrangements to use this facility contact Joanne Trujillo, Sandia National Labs, Mail Stop 1380, Albuquerque, NM 87185, 505-271-4202 (FAX).

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