Coupled radiation and flow modeling in ceramic foam volumetric solar air receivers

► A model for the performances of volumetric solar air receiver was developed. ► Sensitivity studies show the thermal non-equilibrium phenomena are distinct locally. ► The mean cell size has a dominant effect on the performances of solar air receiver. ► The solid thermal conductivity of absorber is not important to the air receiver. ► The desired temperature distribution of the absorber is realizable.