Design and Testing of a Cavity-Type, Steam-Generating, Central Receiver for a Solar Thermal Power Plant

Abstract

This paper focuses on the design and operating aspects of a 10-MWe cavity-type, natural-circulation, steam-generating receiver for a central-receiver thermal power plant. The development of the receiver concept and the basic design features are described. The solar energy input analysis, thermal/hydraulic performance, and structural design of the receiver are discussed along with its control concept and transient operation. The design, construction, and testing of a 5-MWt scaled-down version of the 10-MWe receiver are summarized with emphasis on test objectives, scaling criteria, and design similarities to the full-scale receiver.