Page 168 - ISES SWC50
P. 168
Reiner Buck
Country: Germany
Year Started Research: 1986
Title of Research: Concentrating Solar Power Systems
University: German Aerospace Center (DLR), Institute of Technical
Thermodynamics, Institute of Solar Research
Still Active in Research: Yes
The research on Concentration Solar Power (CSP) systems over the last 2 decades has been immensely influenced
and shaped by Dr. Reiner Buck, currently Head of Department “Solar Tower Systems” at the DLR Institute of Solar
Research. With over 160 publications, almost 2000 citations and a current h-index of 27 he is an outstanding
researcher and a pioneer in his field. His contribution to all topics within the CSP research – from the development of
heliostats and solar receivers, simulation of optical performance and concentrator systems to the layout design and
optimization of steam cycles or gas turbine systems - were essential to the overall development and advancement
of CSP technologies. Reiner’s long-lasting experience and especially his personal dedication and engagement in
improving these highly complex systems led to a numerous number of patents and patent applications which are
partly licensed for commercial use. His exceptional and pioneering work culminated in co-founding the startup
company HelioHeat in 2017. HelioHeat’s objective is to commercialize Reiner’s latest development on solar
receivers, a special particle receiver. The solid particle technology is considered to be the most promising option
for future CSP plants and thanks to his fundamental work on the particle technology it is now possible to build the
world’s first pre-commercial solid particle CSP plant in order to demonstrate its techno-economic feasibility. Reiner
dedicated his entire professional life to the research and development of CSP systems. Without his substantial work
the CSP technology would not have come as far as we know it today.
Jan-Olof Dalenbäck
Country: Sweden
Year Started Research: 1987
Title of Research: Large-scale solar heating technology in Sweden:
system construction and dimensioning
University: Chalmers University of Technology
Still Active in Research: Yes
Jan-Olof Dalenbäck is a professor in Building Services Engineering, Dept. of Energy and Environment at CHALMERS
University of Technology. Jan-Olof has a rich academic background, with a MSc in Electrical Engineering from 1980,
and a Ph.D. in Building Services Engineering from 1993. He is the author or first author of 30 printed reports or
books (14 in English) and >30 international articles (>20 in English, 8 in German), out of which 12 are reviewed, >50
international conference papers and >25 national articles. Jan-Olof has extensive experience as tutor and teacher in
Building Services Engineering, i.e. planning and design of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
He is a specialist with a knowledge in planning and design of solar heating systems, and a good overarching
knowledge of global and national energy supply and energy end use. He was tutor for >10 PhD students and >100
Master thesis on various subjects within his field. Throughout his vast experience in the field, Jan-Olof had taken
upon a significant number of national assignments, such as being the Swedish representative of different tasks
under the IEA SHC Programme, or Secretary, Solar energy R&D program 1997-1999, on behalf of the Swedish
Council for Building Research (BFR)2. Between 2000-2011 he held different positions with international impact,
such as being a Board member representative at ISES, Scientific/Program committee member at ISES SWC and part
of ISES Europe Governing Board. In 2002 he was Vice President ESIF, as responsible for the reformation to ESTIF.
More on his research: https://www.chalmers.se/en/staff/Pages/jan-olof-dalenback.aspx
150 | ISES SWC50 - The Century of Solar-Stories and Visions