In the relentless pursuit of harnessing the sun’s power, researchers have turned to an unlikely ally: additive manufacturing (AM). A recent study published in Scientific Reports, led by Juan de Damborenea from the Surface Engineering, Corrosion and Durability Department at the National Center for Metallurgical Research (CENIM-CSIC) in Spain, has shed new light on the potential of AM in creating more durable and efficient solar receivers for concentrated solar power (CSP) plants.
CSP technology, which uses mirrors to concentrate sunlight and generate heat, is a promising avenue for renewable energy. However, the extreme temperatures involved pose significant challenges for the materials used in solar receivers. Enter Inconel 718, a nickel-based superalloy known for its exceptional strength and resistance to corrosion and oxidation at high temperatures. But what if we could make it even better?
De Damborenea and his team explored this question by subjecting AM-produced Inconel 718 to rapid heating and cooling cycles, mimicking the harsh conditions in CSP plants. Using a vertical parabolic solar furnace, they performed cycles between 250 and 950°C in just 250 seconds. “The rapid heating and cooling cycles are crucial for understanding how these materials will behave in real-world CSP applications,” de Damborenea explains. “The results were quite promising.”
The study compared AM-produced Inconel 718 in two states—as-built and after thermal treatment—with a traditionally forged reference alloy. The findings were striking: all samples developed a protective oxide layer, but the AM-produced samples exhibited a more compact and adherent layer. This is a significant discovery, as a more robust oxide layer can enhance the material’s resistance to thermal shock and oxidation, potentially extending the lifespan of solar receivers.
So, what does this mean for the energy sector? The implications are substantial. CSP plants could see improved efficiency and reduced maintenance costs with more durable solar receivers. Moreover, the ability to tailor the composition and geometry of materials through AM opens up new possibilities for optimizing solar receiver designs. As de Damborenea notes, “Additive manufacturing offers a unique opportunity to create materials and geometries that were previously impossible to achieve with traditional manufacturing methods.”
This research not only advances our understanding of material behavior under extreme conditions but also paves the way for innovative solutions in the renewable energy sector. As the world continues to seek sustainable and efficient energy sources, the synergy between AM and CSP could be a game-changer. The study, published in Scientific Reports, titled “Thermal shock resistance of additive manufactured Inconel 718 by concentrated solar energy,” marks a significant step forward in this exciting field.
