Development of Volumetric Air Receivers

Abstract

Volumetric air receivers are believed to be an alternative in the generation of electric energy from solar radiation as for the used for many chemical processes. Though substantial development work has to be performed, volumetric receivers show clear advantages compared with tube receivers, mainly because of the three dimensionalabsorber geometry instead of the quasi-two dimensional form in the case of the tube receivers. Volumetric receivers are light-weight, theyshow less infrared radiation losses; convection losses are lower, cracks or other failures in the structure do not lead to dangerous accidents and the heat transfer medium air is ceap, has an unlimited temperature capability, is not dangerous in case of leakages and any-where available. However, of highest importance is the fact that fluxdensities up to few MW/m2 are tolerable. This is almost one magnitude higher than achievable with tube receivers.