Numerical modeling and performance optimization study of a cavity receiver in solar tower

Abstract

Solar power concentration is one of the most promising mean for the production of electricity by renewable energies. At the focus of a solar power concentration system, the radiation is received, and the thermal flux is maximum. Therefore, the energy conservation in this area is the mandatory requirement. The temperature increasing at maximum depends, mainly, on the characteristics of the device which intercepts the solar radiation; it is “the solar receiver.” The receiver is exposed to repeated cycles and subjected to a very high thermal stresses. It seems that it is the key element playing an important role in the solar electricity production. For that reason, it is necessary to make a receiver modeling (surface, volumetric, external, etc.) and a simulation of heat transfer at their level in order to identify the advantages and disadvantages of the considered receiver that should be the most efficient. We modeled the process to establish the properties related to heat transfer involving the volumetric receiver in the solar tower, thus using a computational code based on finite volume method (Fluent CFD). This study examines numerically the heat exchange rate through a designed receiver for a solar tower in order to evaluate its thermal characterization. Thus, using a computational code based on finite volume method (Fluent CFD) sought to extend our study by generalizing the problem to geometry, coolant fluid, and its mass flux effects when the used receiver is a surface tubular receiver. Finally, we evaluated the obtained results versus those already existing in specialized literature in order to provide optimal energy efficiency sought.