A review of high-temperature particle receivers for concentrating solar power

Abstract

High-temperature particle receivers can increase the operating temperature of concentrating solar power (CSP) systems, improving solar-to-electric efficiency and lowering costs. Unlike conventional receivers that employ fluid flowing through tubular receivers, falling particle receivers use solid particles that are heated directly as they fall through a beam of concentrated sunlight, with particle temperatures capable of reaching 1000 °C and higher. Once heated, the hot particles may be stored and used to generate electricity in a power cycle or to create process heat. Because the solar energy is directly absorbed by the particles, the flux and temperature limitations associated with tubular central receivers are mitigated, allowing for greater concentration ratios and thermal efficiencies. Alternative particle receiver designs include free-falling, obstructed flow, centrifugal, flow in tubes with or without fluidization, multi-pass recirculation, north-or south-facing, and face-down configurations. This paper provides a review of these alternative designs, along with benefits, technical challenges, and costs.

Solar Heat for Materials Processing: A Review on Recent Achievements and a Prospect on Future Trends

“…Two other review works, by Alonso et al [15] and by Ho [16], published in 2017 and 2016, respectively, are also worth being mentioned. Alonso et al [15] reviewed the rotary kiln technology and focused on the employment of these devices for thermal and thermochemical processes conducted by concentrating solar energy.…”

“…The review work authored by Ho [16] provides an analysis of high-temperature particle receivers for concentrating solar power. It reveals the concern of the technical-scientific community to find out more efficient ways to generate high temperatures and to control them adequately.…”

A concise overview of heliostat fields-solar thermal collectors: Current state of art and future perspective

“…Furthermore, James and Terry studied 5 different cavity receivers' thermal capability. Other available review papers on various solar central receiver carried out by Coventry et al, Avila‐Marin, Zhilin et al, Tan and Chen, and Ho on sodium receiver technologies, volumetric receivers, cavity air receiver, solid particle receiver, and high‐temperature particle receivers, respectively.…”

Heat transfer model of a particle energy storage‐based moving packed bed heat exchanger

“…It has been estimated that employing particles will improve electricity production by 8% and reduce LCOE by 10.8% in comparison with the existing molten salt plants . Several studies have focused on the design and testing of high‐temperature particle receiver for CSP previously . Equally important component is particle/SCO 2 heat exchanger, which links the particle TES with SCO 2 power cycle block, whereas, reports of such device are relatively rare, to the best of the author's knowledge.…”