Experimental and techno-economic analysis of two innovative solar thermal receiver designs for a point focus solar Fresnel collector

Abstract

In this paper, techno-economic analysis and the experimental campaign for a new solar concentrating system are presented. Two novel receivers (Jet impingement receiver with mesh structure & helical channel receiver) are tested on a novel collector technology. The collector technology integrates the two established models of solar concentrating technologies, which are linear Fresnel reflector technology and central receiver technology, into the new concept called the Point Focus Fresnel Collector (PFFC). It is found that the PFFC system with jet impingement receiver and mesh structure provides higher thermal efficiency and manufacturing ease compared to parabolic dish systems. Maximum thermal efficiency of jet impingement receiver is highest at 87% whereas that for helical channel receiver is 83%. Average thermal efficiency of jet impingement receiver is 61% whereas that for helical channel receiver is 58%. Economic analysis of the system reveals that the discounted payback time for the PFFC system is only 5.5 years and less than one year compared to diesel and electricity powered steam generators respectively at an inflation rate of 2.5%. Substantial saving is predicted with PFFC system compared to diesel and electricity powered steam generator. For all discount rates in the range of 2.5–25%, the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) for PFFC system is much lower than that of LCOE in Saudi Arabia for conventional system. Since the LCOE in most of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) countries is higher than the LCOE in Saudi Arabia, therefore, the PFFC system is also suitable for other MENA countries where average direct normal irradiation values are comparable to Saudi Arabia.