ASCUAS: A Solar Central Receiver Utilizing a Solid Thermal Carrier

摘要

The preliminary examination of the use of solid carriers, e.g., pebbles or sand, as both a working fluid and storage medium for high temperature (T greater than or equal to 600C) solar receivers is documented. Advantages of such a scheme include direct absorption of the incident radiation, direct heat transfer, use of the working fluid as a storage medium, and ease of hybridizing with a fossil-fired system. Key parameters and materials concerns for solar as well as for commercial fossil-fired sand or pebble heaters are identified and discussed. Commercial experience in the fuels and chemical industries attests to the technical and economic viability of this concept, while also defining the most significant materials issue: breaking of the thermal carrier. Subsequent analysis indicates that the problem may be mitigated by careful selection/development of carrier material and processing. Future R and D directions are briefly discussed.