Members: Yonatan Sugarmen

Supervisor: Prof. Ori Katz

"This project undertakes a comprehensive examination of mirror reflectivity degradation, pivotal for optimizing the performance of Thermo-Solar power plants. Using Konica-Minolta CM700 Spectrophotometer, the study involved conducting a series of engineering experiments aimed at identifying the most accurate methodologies for measuring mirror reflectivity. Over a prolonged period, the research entailed daily assessments of specular reflectivity across mirrors positioned at varying orientations and elevation angles, complemented by systematic cleaning routines under diverse seasonal conditions. The analytical phase of the project produced a detailed calculation of the Daily Degradation Rate (DDR), essential for establishing the necessary frequency of cleaning cycles. This not only enhanced the precision of reflectivity measurements using the spectrophotometer but also significantly contributed to the solar energy sector by refining operational strategies based on robust empirical data."