Homogenization of solar flux distribution in a carbon aerosol entrapped cavity receiver. (1st September 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jin, Yabin; Fang, Jiabin; Wei, Jinjia; Qaisrani, Mumtaz A.; Wang, Xinhe
• Is Part Of: Energy. Volume 182(2019)
• Page Start: 21
• Page End: 36
• Publication Date: 2019-09-01
• Subjects: CSP cavity receiver -- Non-uniform temperature distribution -- MRCT -FVM coupled model, Coupled photo-thermal convection; Power resources -- Periodicals; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2019.06.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-5442

Abstract

Abstract: An uneven heat flux distribution on the receiver's surface can lead to a highly non-uniform temperature distribution and high local temperature on the receiver tubes which results in fatigue failure. In the present work, a carbon aerosol entrapped cavity receiver of "DAHAN" power plant was numerically simulated to achieve homogenized heat flux distribution with improved safety of the receiver. A three-dimensional Monte Carlo Ray Tracing (MCRT) and Finite Volume Method (FVM) coupled model was developed to simulate the radiation-conduction-convection heat transfer in the receiver. Firstly, the MCRT method is used to simulate the solar heat flux distribution on the surface of the receiver. Then, the thermal performance and heat losses in the receiver were investigated by the coupled model. Finally, the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) was calculated and stress analysis was performed to predict the lifespan of the receiver. Moreover, with this strategy, the peak solar heat flux on the back panel significantly dropped from 290 kW/m 2 to 135 kW/m 2, while the peak temperature dropped from 652K to 620K. Carbon aerosol particle slightly decreases the thermal performance of the receiver. However, it decreases stress concentration on the receiver panels. Also, the economic analysis revealed that carbon aerosol entrapped receiver is more economical. Highlights: Thermal performance of carbon aerosol entrapped receiver is evaluated through a 3D MCRT-FVM coupling model. Effects of the varying carbon aerosol density on heat flux and temperature distribution on the tube surfaces are examined. Effect of varying carbon aerosol density on the thermal performance and heat losses of the cavity receiver is evaluated. Economic and stress analyses of the receiver are performed with varying carbon aerosol density.