Development of ASTRI high-temperature solar receivers

Abstract

Three high-temperature solar receiver design concepts are being evaluated as part of the Australian Solar Thermal Research Initiative (ASTRI): a flux-optimised sodium receiver, a falling particle receiver, and an expanding-vortex particle receiver. Preliminary results from performance modelling of each concept are presented. For the falling particle receiver, it is shown how particle size and flow rate have a significant influence on absorptance. For the vortex receiver, methods to reduce particle deposition on the window and increase particle residence time are discussed. For the sodium receiver, the methodology for geometry optimisation is discussed, as well as practical constraints relating to containment materials