A comprehensive review on solid particle receivers of concentrated solar power

Abstract

The receiver is a key component of a concentrated solar thermal power generation system. At present, molten salt is typically used for both heat absorption and as a thermal energy storage medium in commercial tower solar power stations. However, molten salt may decompose and degrade when the temperature exceeds 600 °C, hence affecting the efficiency of the whole thermoelectric conversion system. The solid particle solar receiver can collect heat at very high temperatures (exceeding 1000 °C) and can also function as a thermal energy storage medium, thus providing a new way to improve solar power conversion efficiency and reduce the cost of solar power generation. The present review summarizes progress in research on solid particle receivers. The criteria for particles that can be used in solid particle receivers are discussed. The design and performance characteristics of each particle receiver type are also summarized. Particle receivers are classified according to their structures and operation characteristics. The present review discusses the performance characteristics, applications, and existing issues of solid particle receivers, and it introduces aspects of next-generation concentrated high-temperature particle receivers. This review thus serves as a useful reference for the theoretical research and practical application of photothermic power generation and thermochemical technologies.