High Temperature Solar Receivers Research Articles

Advanced high-temperature two-slab selective volumetric receiver

Experimental results about two-slab high-temperature solar receivers for gas heating are presented. Data related to two systems are reported. For the first one, the irradiated front slab is composed of glass-beads; for the second this slab is made of silica honeycomb. Outlet air temperatures of about 500°C have been reached with the first while temperatures larger than 800°C were obtained with the second. The receiver efficiency is 0.89 and 0.78 for gas outlet temperature of 700°C and 800°C respectively.

A 50 kW Fluidized Bed High Temperature Solar Receiver: Heat Transfer Analysis

A theoretical and experimental investigation of a pilot scale solar fluidized bed receiver is presented. Large diameter alumina particles were used. Experimental data with the bed in the temperature range of 550° C to 915° C (wall 740° C–1035° C) are compared with a simple model based on one parameter: the mean front wall temperature. At 950° C, the predicted efficiency is 73 percent and the measured efficiency is about 65 percent. In addition, unsteady behavior of the receiver is described by a simple heat transfer model.

Energy Transport With an Integrated Direct Solar Reactor

A novel design concept is presented of a high-temperature solar central receiver in which solar energy is directly absorbed by fluids flowing in tubes and undergoing a chemical reaction. The utilization of this concept in a design of a solar Methane-Reforming reactor is discussed, especially as it applies to chemical energy transport systems. An analysis of heat balance and energy efficiency of both Steam-Methane and CO2-Methane reforming presents the technological barriers and potential in applying these systems for the transport of solar energy.

High-temperature sensible-heat storage options

Alkali-metal carbonate salts meet the requirements for high-temperature solar central receiver systems, but because of their corrosiveness they present special problems in the design of storage tanks. In order to reduce corrosion and temperature sufficiently to retain strength in the storage containing wall, internal and thermal insulation is required. We present design options and operation criteria for sensible-heat, molten-salt storage with internal insulation.

Process and control design of high-temperature solar receivers: An integrated approach

Process dynamics of high-temperature solar receivers exhibit quite peculiar interactions with basic design parameters. The difficult task of controlling receiver temperatures when clouds pass over the mirror field calls for control systems whose sophistication and cost are significantly affected by the process dynamics, in particular by the possible presence of a nonminimum-phase function in the principal control loop. This paper illustrates an integrated approach to the process and control design, based on the identification of the principal relationships between free design parameters and process dynamics and on the concept of a new temperature controller applying predictive feedback of a suitable set of fluid temperatures. Special reference is made to the design of a real solar pilot plant equipped with a sodium-cooled solar receiver.