Abstract
The thermal efficiency of solar molten salt receivers is vital to solar power tower systems. Yet, the related test methods at large-scale application level is still missing. In this paper, a practical method based on direct normal irradiance for the evaluation of thermal efficiency is developed and validated with experimental data. This method mines operating parameters of solar receivers under different irradiance conditions of close-to interval days without affecting the routine control process of the plant. To fully consider the effects of the heliostat field, test time, and ambient conditions, the practical method is further revised, where the thermal efficiency differences of 3.38% and 3.34% are observed at 11:00–11:30 on March 17 and March 22, respectively. Lastly, the design-point condition of the solar receiver is taken into consideration, and the final thermal efficiency (so-called levelized thermal efficiency) reaches 84.20%. This work will facilitate assessing engineering designs at a relatively fair level experimentally and developing practical high-efficiency solar molten salt receivers.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
