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DOE OSTI2023

Design of a High Flux Beam Characterization Device for Falling Particle Receivers

This paper outlines the design and error analysis for a flux characterization device (i.e. flux wand) which traverses the aperture of a falling particle receiver cavity providing the incident power measurement needed for the calculation of receiver efficiency without significantly disrupting receiver output. The design features a linear actuator, water cooled extension arm, and refractory bar. The refractory bar/flux wand is a diffusely reflective surface which reflects light as it is translated across the receiver aperture to provide a light intensity distribution that is correlated to a measured flux. The component sizing, constrained by a typical 30 frame per second camera and a 4-point average of the measured reflectance, is presented. Simulation reveals the error that results from a 5% variation in flux wand reflectance is within 4% of the true value.

Schroeder, Nathan↗

DOE OSTI2021

Abrasion wear at high temperature in particle receiver type Concentrating Solar Power Systems

The use of solid particles as a heat transfer fluid in receivers for concentrating solar powerplants has garnered much attention in the past decade. Particles are not only stable at temperatures above 700 °C but are also able to absorb solar energy directly, which gives them a distinct advantage over conventional molten salts. The use of particles can, however, cause material degradation from the flow of hot or cold particles through discharge hoppers or along the inner receiver surfaces and other system components (e.g. tubes, valves etc.), depending on operating mode of the receiver. Stainless steel alloy 316, nickel-based alloy Inconel® 740H®, Haynes 230, and a 60% alumina, low-cement refractory castable from Allied Mineral Products were tested for wear from first-of-a-kind high-temperature low-velocity abrasion-erosion experiments. The tests are designed to simulate potential conditions in Generation 3 falling particle Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) systems. Simultaneous experiments were conducted at room temperature as well to draw comparison on the role of temperature on abrasion wear rates. It was noted that the abrasion wear rate in candidate materials was driven by the oxidation resistance of the material. The findings from these experiments will be used to determine life-time of critical components in particle receiver concentrated solar powerplants.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2023

Falling particle receiver systems with mass flow control

The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods to control particle mass flow rate in solar receivers and associated heat exchangers based on feedback from one or more temperatures of particles in the system.

Ho, Clifford K.↗

DOE OSTI2026

Development and Full Load Demonstration of a 900°C Solid Particle Receiver for Concentrating Solar Power Applications - noLimits

Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) and the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) are world leaders in the joint and separate development of very high temperature next generation solar concentrator systems using solid particles. This project “noLimits” is meant to provide the critical performance information needed to commercialize DLR’s CentRec® solar receiver and ancillary particle systems (conveying systems, storage vessels, flow control equipment etc.) developed at Sandia National Laboratories (SNL). Performance information (at power levels closer to a small scale Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) plant) will be obtained at full load conditions (2.5 MWt ) and at 900 °C-1000 °C particle outlet temperatures at the National Solar Thermal Test Facility (NSTTF) located at SNL. Heliogen was proposed to be joining the project as a commercial partner to provide the commercialization route for this receiver design, if successful, as Heliogen acquired the intellectual property (IP) from DLR.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2026

Prototype Development, Testing, and Modeling for a Solar Light-Trapping Planar-Cavity Particle Receiver

Many applications for concentrating solar thermal power (CSP) technologies of high efficiency power cycles or thermochemical processes require higher operating temperatures and alternative heat transfer media. Inert solid particles for next-generation CSP and reactive gas and/or solid media for solar thermochemical processes are common options; however, these have significantly lower heat transfer capabilities than thermal oil, molten salt, or molten metal media. Conventional solar receivers operating temperatures >700 degrees Celsius face challenges including thermal performance and thermal-mechanical issues. To overcome these limitations, we have developed a novel light-trapping, planar-cavity receiver (LTPCR) that can heat solid-phase media within an enclosed receiver while maintaining a high aperture solar flux concentration for high efficiency. This paper presents progress on design, fabrication, and testing of a 100 kWt prototype receiver to demonstrate the LTPCR operability and its commercial feasibility.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2026