Feasibility and Potential of a Direct Absorption Receiver in a Nitrate Salt Solar Power System

摘要

The Direct Absorption Receiver (DAR) concept was proposed in the mid 1970's as an alternative advanced receiver concept to simplify and decrease the cost of central receiver systems. Rather than flowing through tubes exposed to the concentrated solar flux, the heat-absorbing fluid (a blackened molten nitrate salt) flows in a thin film down a basically flat, vertical panel and absorbs the flux directly. Potential advantages of the DAR include a substantially simplified design, improved thermal performance, increased reliability and operating life, and decreased operating costs. High flux capability also results in decreased receiver size and capital costs. The cost savings and improved performance can result in reductions in levelized energy costs of 19% (near-term) to 28% (long-term). Perhaps more importantly in the near-term, lifetime considerations and the simplicity of design could decrease the perceived risks associated with construction of a commercial central receiver system. (ERA citation 12:013388)