Solar Tower Power: The Impact of External Receiver on Optimal Performance and Energy Storage

Abstract

An external receiver was seen as a major component of the Solar Tower Power (STP) plant. This generated stable power from concentrated sunlight. However, the flux distribution on its surface was an issue related to the external receiver that could affect the performance and energy storage in STP. The heat flux increased during long-term use, failure reduction, receiver efficiency and performance. The main advantage of the STP structure was its substantial heat storage capacity which allowed the system to generate stable and continuous electric power. In this study, the researchers reviewed existing literature to investigate the effect of the STP external receiver on the optimum energy storage and performance of the STP; especially regarding the solar flux distribution and efficiency. The researchers aim to improve the external receiver’s optimal performance without affecting the incident heat fluxes. The literature review indicates that ideal receiver conditions lead to solar energy flux distribution optimal performance. Therefore, system optimisation was necessary to satisfy all limitations; like loss occurring due to heliostat field, solar flux flow patterns, external tubular receiver designs, and Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF) selection. These limitations, along with factors affecting these limitations, are reviewed in this study.