Absorption of Concentrated Solar Power with Particle Receivers

Abstract

Concentrating solar power (CSP) plants are a promising way in order to address the world’s high energy demand. For solar power tower systems, a high efficient receiver concept is the so-called particle receiver, where sandlike ceramic particles with a diameter from 0.5 – 1.2 mm are used as absorber, heat carrier and storage material. Compared to conventional receivers, particle receivers have the ability to achieve higher outlet temperatures at high receiver efficiencies, leading to higher overall system efficiencies. Combined with lower receiver and system costs and the inherent feature of storage, competitive levelized electricity costs are achievable. Two different particle receiver concepts are currently under investigation at DLR.