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Performance Improvements For Next Generation Falling Particle Receiver Systems, Nathan R. Schroeder

Mechanical Engineering ETDs

Falling particle receiver (FPR) systems are a rapidly developing technology for concentrating solar power applications. Solid particles are used as both the heat transfer fluid and thermal energy storage media. Through the direct solar irradiation of the solid particles, flux and temperature limitations of tube-bundle receives can be overcome leading to higher operating temperatures and energy conversion efficiencies. Particle residence time, curtain opacity, and curtain stability affect the performance of FPR designs. As the particles fall through the receiver the curtain accelerates, increasing its transmissivity thus decreasing the amount of energy absorbed. Multistage release trough structures catch and release the …