Experimental study on the influence of input solar flux, air flow rate, and absorber parameters on honeycomb ceramic air receiver performance

Abstract

Honeycomb ceramic absorbers are considered to be one of the most practical options for the air receiver of a solar central receiver plant. To explore the influence of the average input solar heat flux, air flow rate, and absorber geometric parameters on the honeycomb ceramic air receiver performance, six samples were tested under different conditions and the outlet air temperature, thermal efficiency, and anti-interference characteristics of the receivers were determined. The investigation showed that as the input solar flux or air flow rate increased, the change in the outlet air temperature and thermal efficiency had opposite trends. The sample with the shortest length, thinnest wall, and highest porosity had the best performance. Among the three absorber geometry parameters, the porosity was the dominant factor affecting the receiver outlet temperature and thermal efficiency.