In the quest to harness the sun’s energy more efficiently, researchers have turned their attention to the geometry of solar receivers, uncovering a promising avenue for enhancing the performance of concentrated solar power (CSP) systems. A recent study, published in the journal “Achievements in Engineering,” has revealed that the shape of the cavity in volumetric solar receivers can significantly impact their thermal efficiency, offering a new design strategy for the energy sector.
Volumetric solar receivers, which use reticulated porous ceramics (RPCs), are crucial components in CSP systems, absorbing radiative energy and transferring heat to a fluid. While previous research has focused on materials and operating conditions, the influence of cavity geometry has been largely overlooked. Abdullah Ayed Alrwili, a researcher from Cranfield University in the UK and the Northern Border University in Saudi Arabia, led a team that set out to change that.
“We wanted to understand how different cavity shapes could affect the thermal performance of these receivers,” Alrwili explained. “By optimizing the geometry, we can potentially improve the efficiency of CSP systems, making solar energy more viable and competitive.”
The team conducted high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations using ANSYS Fluent, coupled with the Monte Carlo radiation model, to evaluate four polygonal cavity configurations: hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, and nonagonal. All designs were tested under consistent geometric constraints and two solar heat flux inputs, with varying air mass flow rates.
The results were striking. The nonagonal receiver, with its compact internal structure and increased edge count, achieved the highest thermal efficiencies of 75% and 73% at the respective flux levels. This design outperformed conventional configurations, demonstrating that geometric optimization can enhance the thermal performance of volumetric receivers.
“The nonagonal design’s improved surface energy density and fluid-wall interaction led to better heat transfer,” Alrwili noted. “This could translate to more efficient and compact CSP systems, which is a significant step forward for the industry.”
The findings suggest that by carefully designing the cavity geometry, engineers can enhance the performance of volumetric solar receivers, potentially leading to more efficient and cost-effective CSP systems. This could have a substantial impact on the energy sector, as CSP systems are increasingly being recognized as a viable and scalable solution for renewable energy.
As the world continues to seek sustainable and efficient energy solutions, research like Alrwili’s offers a glimpse into the future of solar power. By optimizing the geometry of solar receivers, we may unlock new levels of efficiency and performance, bringing us one step closer to a cleaner and more sustainable energy landscape.
“This study provides new design insights for next-generation CSP applications,” Alrwili concluded. “It’s an exciting time for the field, and we’re hopeful that our findings will contribute to the development of more efficient and compact solar energy systems.”