Central Receiver Optimization

Abstract

Sandia National Laboratories (Sandia) and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) collaborated to optimize central receivers in the temperature range of 600-900°C suitable for advanced power cycles. It was recognized that significant cost reductions can be made in concentrating solar power (CSP) if efficiency was substantially improved. Advanced cycles such as supercritical CO 2 (sCO 2 ) power cycles offer the potential for high efficiency, but the solar collector and receiver geometry must be considered together to ensure the required inlet conditions for the turbine can be met in a cost-effective manner. This project investigated heliostat life cycle costs, heliostat field layout and associated receiver geometry to better understand the optical and thermodynamic relationship between these components in this temperature range of interest, allowing subsequent optimization. This work will assist the mission of Sandia, the Department of Energy (DOE), and CSIRO to develop sustainable, cost-competitive energy technologies for public use. The purpose of this work was to investigate factors affecting performance and costs of heliostats, including in-field heliostat testing. Alternative receiver designs designed to achieve high temperatures (900 °C and above) were also explored in conjunction with the heliostat field.