DLR Synlight
TA66 – DLR-CSP-Synlight
Location
Rudolf-Schulten-Str. 11
52428 Jülich, Germany
Description
Synlight is the world’s largest solar simulator for concentrated light and a flagship research infrastructure located in Jülich, Germany. Operated by the Institute of Future Fuels (FF) at the German Aerospace Center (DLR) Synlight forms a key part of DLR’s integrated solar energy research in Jülich, complementing heliostat fields and solar towers to enable development and upscaling of solar-driven processes.
The facility replicates concentrated solar radiation with high spectral fidelity and adjustable flux densities from 50 kW/m² to 10 MW/m², enabling realistic testing of solar reactors, components and materials. Its modular design features 149 individually controlled high-power xenon short-arc lamps and focusing reflectors, allowing for custom flux shaping. Irradiation can range from uniform over large areas up to 4x4 m² to highly focused beams with apertures as small as 1 cm².
Synlight supports research across the entire Technology Readiness Level (TRL) spectrum from early-stage fundamental studies up to prototype validation and system integration. This unique capability makes it a valuable platform for the both individual test campaigns as well as upscaling from laboratory discoveries to real-world solar technologies.
Equipped with three independent test chambers, and due to the modular nature of the lamp array, multiple experiments can be run and supervised in parallel from three separate control rooms. The facility’s versatility allows users to tailor flux profiles, aperture sizes, and thermal conditions to match specific research needs from solar thermochemistry and green hydrogen production to high-temperature material testing and concentrated photovoltaics.
Testing Capabilities
The main service offered at Synlight is the precise solar-like irradiation at user-defined flux and flux densities (50 kW/m² to 10 MW/m², corresponding to 50 – 10000 suns). Total thermal power can range from 2.5 kW to 300 kW.
Test rigs can be irradiated with uniform or highly focused flux, over areas up to 4×4 m² and as small as 1 cm² when using complementing apertures.
A water-cooled radiation shield is available to protect sensitive parts of test rigs and ancillary units. All test chambers are connected to the internal network and can be accessed confidentially. Users can access all data (i.e., sensors) directly from the control room.
Furthermore, measured flux maps for all settings used in experimental campaigns as well as video recordings of running experiments and IR camera feed data are available.
Independent setup and operation of different setups is possible due to light- and fireproof roller shutters in each test chamber.
Technical Equipment
Water-cooling in each of the test chambers with a maximum flow of 100 L/min. Power supply for test rigs and ancillary units is available (with single-phase 16 A and three-phase 64 A, 32 A and 16 A). Rail car system (2.5 t payload) for flexible setup and construction. Compressed air with distributor and pressure regulator. Remote controllable high-volume fan for exhaust gas ventilation. Gas storage and supply with dedicated conduits for user-provided gases possible in all test chambers. Meeting room for up to 15 people equipped with modern conference system.
Additional information
Technology Readiness Level: 7 or above
Special considerations: N/A
Technology clusters: CSP/STE
Website: https://www.dlr.de/en/ff/
Availability: All year
Provision of tools to prepare data sets in a FAIR way: Yes
