Material Challenges and Alloy Selection for Particle/s‐CO2 Heat Exchangers in Concentrated Solar Power Systems
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Combining supercritical CO2 (s‐CO2) cycles with particle‐based heat transfer media for concentrated solar power (CSP) plants offers great potential if the material challenges can be overcome. The core challenge in integrating these systems is the particle/s‐CO2 heat exchanger, which must handle extreme conditions, such as high temperatures, high pressures, and erosion from both CO2 and hot particles. The mechanical requirements for such a heat exchanger are exceedingly high, demanding materials that can resist CO2‐corrosion and high stresses due to the operating conditions in the supercritical fluid. In addition, the heat exchanger material must also withstand severely erosive conditions due to the hot heat‐carrying particles sliding on the outside of the tube walls. The best selection of an appropriate heat exchanger alloy is discussed, considering cross‐references from supercritical and ultrasupercritical steam boilers and supercritical CO2 cycles in nuclear power applications. A method is shown to estimate the mechanical requirements, as well as the challenge of determining the corrosion and erosion allowance. Ultimately, the material requirements and challenges are summarized for creating a practical and durable heat exchanger to support the integration of supercritical CO2‐based cycles with CSP plants. Future research and material testing are defined to overcome the final hurdles.
Source: Advanced Engineering Materials
Authors: Mathias Christian Galetz, Emma Marie Hamilton White, Michael Kerbstadt, Clara Schlereth, Xabier Montero, Daniel Benitez
Language: English
Field: Energy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,520
Funder: European Commission
OpenAlex ID: W4409585271