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Tests during the nine-year project:

The experimental plant ran for about 15,000 hours from 1982-1989.  the following tests were completed during the course of the project:

Different collector roof coverings were tested for structural suitability, durability and influence on output;

The behavior of the plant as a whole was measured second by second (ground temperature, air temperature, speed and humidity, translucency of the collector, turbine data, meteorological data etc.);

The ground’s storage capacity was tested in terms of collector temperature and soil humidity.  In order to investigate heat absorption and heat storage it was in turn left as it was, sprayed with black asphalt and covered with black plastic;

Various turbine regulation strategies were developed and tested;

Maintenance and running costs for individual components were investigated;

The thermodynamic plant simulation program-which by this time had been fully developed-was verified with the aid of the experimental results accompanying the wind tunnel experiments.  Using the plant simulation program, it was then possible to make reliable calculations of daily and annual energy production using specific site conditions, local meteorological data and solar tower plant sizes.

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Test Completed