#Tesis 2017

Astract: Due to the scarcity of fossil fuels and the environmental problems arising from its use and exploitation, countries are opting for developing technologies based on renewable sources as alternatives to satisfy the growing energy demand. Among the renewable energy technologies, in some countries solar energy seems to be a promising solution to meet the energy supply due to its abundance and non-polluting character. Based on solar energy industrial applications, the Concentrated Solar Power Systems (CSP) option is growing both in number of solar power plants and installed capacity, impacting also substantially in job generation. Among the CSP technologies that are dominating the market, are central receiver systems (CRS). CRS requires the use of heliostats to reflect solar radiation in its surfaces in order to concentrate it in a receiver. This process results in a considerable amount of concentrated solar radiation (visible light, infrared and ultraviolet radiation) inside and in the neighborhood of the installations. Usually solar power plants are located in sunny environments due to requirements for power generation. Meanwhile, as the ozone layer damage has been exceeding its natural restoration, a growing level of UV radiation reaches the surface of the Earth where solar industry working force will be facing new risks. Some previous studies have provided information about exposure to high levels of solar radiation, indicating that it may negatively influence the biological system. Working population performing activities outdoors and exposed to solar radiation may meet health impairments on skin, eyes and nervous system. The excess of light due to both the reflection of the sun light on the heliostats' surface and the brightness of the receiver is considered as a possible situation of risk for the eyes. The OSHA defined dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke as consequences of exposures to heat. These impairments on health may also negatively impact the performance of the workers and, simultaneously, decrease their productivity. This work aims to contribute with crucial information about the environmental conditions in solar energy facilities. In addition, the exposures to solar radiation in a case study, a CRS facility in an experimental solar facility in Mexico, are assessed. The research briefly outlines the relation between solar effects on eyes, skin and nervous system subjected to momentary and cumulative exposures. It also addresses the Methodology and safety doses. An assessment of eye, skin and level of heat stress on working population, based on solar radiation measurements was carried and results are presented and discussed. The main objective is to contribute with information directed to environmental scientists, standard developers and the solar industry. This way it will be possible to improve/develop procedures directed toward the occupational health and safety within solar energy industry.