Numerical Investigation of Scheffler Concentrator Receiver for Steam Generation Using Phase Change Material

Combined use of volumetric expanders and Scheffler receivers to improve the efficiency of a novel direct steam solar power plant

“…However, these results show the sensitivity of the model and the ability to reproduce the correct trends with the variation of the geometric parameters. Consequently, the values of solar power collection efficiency computed with the optical‐geometric model and the receiver thermal model, which will be shown in the next sections, prove consistent with the experimentally determined efficiencies for Scheffler concentrators reported elsewhere 22,23,26 …”

“…Consequently, the values of solar power collection efficiency computed with the optical-geometric model and the receiver thermal model, which will be shown in the next sections, prove consistent with the experimentally determined efficiencies for Scheffler concentrators reported elsewhere. 22,23,26 Variations in the SE global efficiency with pressure ratio obtained from the thermodynamic model will be explored in-depth in the next sections However, the validation process of the proposed model is performed by…”

“…In effect, SC receivers are designed to be a low-cost lightweight system: construction of each receiver costs less than €10 000, comprising the installation rates. 22,23 SC receivers also appear to perform better than PTCs due to the high compactness of the focal receiver which minimizes convective and radiative heat losses even at high vaporization temperatures. 24 Moreover, the decrease in solar power collection efficiency with decreasing solar radiation is less marked for SC receivers than in PTC receivers.…”

“…Scheffler's idea was to create a high‐quality reflector that required a reduced tracking mechanism and a simple structure so that it could be easily built, maintained, and operated at reasonable costs all over the world. In effect, SC receivers are designed to be a low‐cost lightweight system: construction of each receiver costs less than €10 000, comprising the installation rates 22,23 . SC receivers also appear to perform better than PTCs due to the high compactness of the focal receiver which minimizes convective and radiative heat losses even at high vaporization temperatures 24 .…”

Numerical Optimization and Energetic Advantages of an Innovative Solar Power System Based on Scheffler Receiver Coupled with Volumetric Expanders

“…(1), where the net heat available to transfer at the working fluid, Q av , is evaluated as the difference between the heat gathered in the cavity, Q rec , and all heat losses Q loss comprising convection, conduction, and radiation losses. 11,19–21 Eq. (2) assesses the amount of thermal energy collected in the cavity receiver , 0.25em Q r e c, where I d is the solar irradiation (W/m 2 ), A a p , r e f (m 2 ) is the aperture area of the reflector, φ (-) is the interception factor of the SC collector and ρ (-) is the surface reflection coefficient 7.…”