Work

An improved thermal analysis methodology for external receivers of solar tower systems

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study presents an improved methodology for performing thermal analysis on finned solar receivers in Concentrating Solar Thermal (CST) systems using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The use of the interpolation and mapping method is proposed, which involves imposing thermal images of solar flux as boundary conditions on the receiver surface and accounting for thermal losses due to natural convection, forced convection, radiation, and reflection. When comparing the numerical results with experimental data, differences of 0.4%, 0.6%, and 1.6% were found. The analysis of thermal losses revealed that the most significant losses were associated with reflection (6.9%) and forced convection (3.7%). The proposed numerical method represents a valuable strategy for the development of innovative solar receivers in central tower systems, adaptable to different geometries, scales, and operating conditions.

Source: Thermal Science and Engineering Progress

DOI: 10.1016/j.tsep.2025.104407

Authors: R.L. Durán, V.M. Maytorena, S. Moreno, A. Piña-Ortiz, J.F. Hinojosa

Institution: Universidad de Sonora

Language: English

Topic: Solar Thermal and Photovoltaic Systems

Subfield: Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

Field: Energy

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,000