The Potential of Scheffler-type Solar Receivers in Direct Steam Generation Power Systems

This paper investigates the potential of Scheffler-type solar receivers used as heat sources for direct steam generation power systems for power up to 500 kW. Scheffler-type receivers provide good energy performance and acceptable efficiency in comparison with other technologies to exploit solar power because the focal receiver can decrease thermal losses even at high degrees of vaporization temperature. In this research, comprehensive evaluation and energy performance optimization of the proposed solar receiver are thoroughly obtained in a broad range of working states and under variable solar irradiations. For this aim, numerical optimization of the main thermodynamic parameters is conducted via a specific thermodynamic model to compute each energy loss which affects the heat transmission process in the cavity receiver, so calculating the energetic efficiency of the considered solar receivers at part-load working states. Power plants based on Scheffler solar systems can become a hopeful technology for civil applications since they can be adopted to supply the energy needs of new urban settlements while ensuring, at the same time, easy construction, reduced expenses and acceptable energy conversion efficiency.