Design Space Exploration of a 5 MWth Small Particle Solar Receiver

We present a design space exploration of a 5 MWth Small Particle Solar Receiver for solar tower power plants. This new solar receiver, developed under the support of the U.S. Department of Energy's SunShot Program, aims to volumetrically absorb concentrated solar irradiation using an air-particle mixture to drive a gas turbine or a combined cycle at much higher temperature than the state-of-the-art molten salt receivers. Among other advantages, the thermodynamic efficiency of the power block and the overall efficiency of the plant would considerably increase with this technology. The design space consists of the wall angle of the receiver, the geometry of the window (necessary to allow the solar irradiation to enter into the receiver) and the radiative properties of the walls. The constraints are based on material limits, ensuring the mechanical integrity of the quartz window, and other technical issues; though some of them are imposed via a penalty method. The design space is explored through parametric studies and a multidisciplinary approach is adopted. The aluminum oxide walls, the 45° spherical-cap window and the 45° wall- angle receiver are preferred due to their best compromise between thermal efficiency and wall temperature.