Improved power efficiency for very-high-temperature solar-thermal-cavity receivers

Patent · Wed Apr 14 00:00:00 EST 1982

OSTI ID:6595072

McDougal, A R; Hale, R R

This invention is an improved solar energy cavity receiver for exposing materials and components to high temperatures. The receiver includes a housing having an internal reflective surface defining a cavity and having an inlet for admitting solar radiation thereto. A photothermal absorber is positiond in the cavity to receive radiation from the inlet. A reflective baffle is positioned between the absorber and the inlet to severely restrict the re-radiation of energy through the inlet. The front surface of the baffle defines a narrow annulus with the internal reflective surface of the housing. The front surface of the baffle is contoured to reflect incoming radiation onto the internal surface of the housing, from which it is reflected through the annulus and onto the front surface of the absorber. The back surface of the baffle intercepts radiation from the front of the absorber. With this arrangement, a high percentage of the solar power input is retained in the cavity; thus, high internal temperatues are attained.

• DOE Contract Number: NAS-7-100-954873
• Assignee: ERA-08-017686; EDB-83-049204
• Application Number: ON: DE83006893
• OSTI ID: 6595072
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
CAVITY RECEIVERS
DESIGN
BAFFLES
REFLECTIVE COATINGS
SOLAR ABSORBERS
COATINGS
CONTROL EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
FLOW REGULATORS
SOLAR EQUIPMENT
SOLAR RECEIVERS
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