Parametric Study on Integrated Thermal and Mechanical Performance of Molten Salt Receiver for Solar Tower Power Plant

Abstract

In this study, the mathematical and numerical models of a receiver tube are established for the integrated thermal and mechanical performance investigation of molten salt solar receiver. Effects of four parameters on heat transfer performance and thermal strain of the receiver are studied. The results indicate that when other parameters are settled, a smaller tube internal diameter can lead to a higher convection heat transfer coefficient and a smaller thermal strain. As the tube wall thickness increases, the convection heat transfer coefficient and thermal strain both increase. With the inlet molten salt flow velocity increased, the convection heat transfer coefficient increases and the thermal strain decreases. Similar to the effect of inlet flow velocity of molten salt, a higher inlet molten salt temperature can also improve the convection heat transfer coefficient and reduce the thermal strain. The thermal efficiency of the receiver can be improved by increasing the inlet flow velocity of molten salt, or by reducing the receiver tube internal diameter, tube wall thickness, or inlet molten salt temperature. All results have revealed the effect laws of the four parameters on the thermal and mechanical performances of the receiver tube, which may be helpful for the further research and development of molten salt solar receiver for solar thermal power plant.