Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Direct absorption receiver control studies

Conference ·
OSTI ID:5453774

In a solar central receiver system Direct Absorption Receiver (DAR), the heat absorbing fluid (a blackened molten nitrate salt) flows in a thin film down a vertical panel (rather than through tubes as in conventional receiver designs) and absorbs the concentrated solar flux directly. This unique flow system presents different control requirements than other receiver systems. In this paper we discuss these requirements, including analyses of multiple control zones for various receiver geometries and steady-state flux patterns. These results show that as few as 9 to 13 control zones can provide adequate operation of the receiver under nearly all conditions. We also discuss the simple outlet-temperature-feedback control algorithm developed to control the DAR during cloud transients and present system thermal/hydraulic responses to various transient conditions. 11 refs., 9 figs., 3 tabs.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-76DP00789
OSTI ID:
5453774
Report Number(s):
SAND-87-1424C; CONF-880320-1-Draft; ON: DE87013653
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English