Linear Fresnel Reflector Award Number: DE-EE0007342 CX(s) Applied: A9, B5.17 Solar Energy Technology Office Date: 05/19/2016 Location(s): CA Office(s): Golden Field Office
Office of NEPA Policy and Compliance
May 26, 2016
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Linear Fresnel Reflector
Award Number: DE-EE0007342
CX(s) Applied: A9, B5.17
Solar Energy Technology Office
Date: 05/19/2016
Location(s): CA
Office(s): Golden Field Office
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is proposing to provide federal funding to Hyperlight Energy to develop high-performing, low-cost equipment for concentrated solar power (CSP) applications. Activities associated with the proposed project would include design, development, fabrication, and field testing of CSP equipment. Outdoor testing would occur once during each of the three phases associated with this project at increasing scales.
Design, development and fabrication activities would occur at a research and development (R&D) facility in San Diego, CA. This facility was purpose-built for the type of activities being proposed; therefore, no adverse impacts to sensitive resources are expected as a result of the proposed activities at this location. No change in the use, mission or operation of this existing facility would arise out of this effort. The facility has all applicable permits in place, and would not need additional permits for the proposed activities.
Small-scale testing in Phase 1- Task 2 would occur in an unused, paved portion of a commercial lot currently owned by RC Equipment in El Cajon, CA. A 40ft by 50ft area of this lot would be utilized to test two CSP prototype units which consist of a water-filled basin with a cover and reflector tubes mounted on top. The tubes focus light on a receiver that is approximately 20 feet off the ground and runs the length of each system. These two units would be used to conduct accelerated lifetime testing (30+ years equivalent) of optomechanical kinematic assemblies in order to validate performance through worst-case simulated conditions through and up to end-of-life. All prototype units being tested rest on the ground and are self-ballasted and the receivers use a concrete spread footing. No ground penetration would be required and the chosen test site is previously disturbed. Due to the previously disturbed nature of this site and small footprint of this field test, the DOE has concluded that no impacts to sensitive cultural and /or natural resources such as historic properties, threatened/endangered species, migratory birds, wetlands, floodplains, or prime farmlands are to be expected.