High-Performance SiC–Based Solar Receivers for CSP: Component Manufacturing and Joining

Valentina Casalegno,Luca Ferrari,Maria Jimenez Fuentes,Monica Ferraris,Victor M Candelario,Sandro Gianella,Alessandro De Zanet

doi:10.3390/ma14164687

Abstract

Concentrated solar power (CSP) is an important option as a competitive, secure, and sustainable energy system. At the moment, cost-effective solutions are required for a wider-scale deployment of the CSP technology: in particular, the industrial exploitation of CSP has been so far hindered by limitations in the materials used for the central receiver—a key component in the system. In this context, the H2020 NEXTOWER project is focused on next-generation CSP technologies, particularly on advanced materials for high temperatures (e.g., >900 °C) and extreme applications environments (e.g., corrosive). The research activity described in this paper is focused on two industrial solutions for new SiC ceramic receivers for high thermal gradient continued operations: porous SiC and silicon-infiltrated silicon carbide ceramics (SiSiC). The new receivers should be mechanically tough and highly thermally conductive. This paper presents the activity related to the manufacturing of these components, their joining, and characterization.

Highlights

Inmaculada Cañadas and Concentrated solar power (CSP) is a technology that generates electricity by using thermal energy from solar radiation, which is focused on a small area
The concentration of solar radiation on the small area of the receiver enables the achievement of high temperatures of the working fluid, making the CSP technology thermodynamically comparable with conventional power plants
silicon-infiltrated silicon carbide ceramics (SiSiC) design optimized for higher toughness and thermal conductivity

Summary

Introduction

Inmaculada Cañadas and Concentrated solar power (CSP) is a technology that generates electricity by using thermal energy from solar radiation, which is focused on a small area. This, in turn, is used to produce steam, which drives a generator to produce electricity. The objective of the H2020 NEXTOWER project is the development of innovative materials to boost the performance of solar power towers and innovative technologies for energy storage to improve performance, life cycle, and competitiveness of concentrated solar power plants [1]. The industrial exploitation of CSP power plants has been so far hindered by limitations in the materials used for the solar collector ( for the receiver, i.e., the core component) and for thermal storage [2]

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