Category: Concentrating Solar Power

Abstract: Growing energy demand and environmental pollution issues are placing greater demands on sustainable thermal energy storage. Research indicates that molten salt phase change materials (MSPCMs) represent a promising alternative for thermal energy storage (TES), effectively addressing the energy supply-demand imbalance. These salts typically have a range of excellent properties, such as high energy storage …

Continue reading “Published at Applied Energy – A review of the performance and application of molten salt-based phase change materials in sustainable thermal energy storage at medium and high temperatures”

Abstract: The reverse water gas shift (RWGS) reaction is a key pathway for CO2 utilization, particularly within Power-to-X process chains aimed at sustainable fuel and chemical production. Countercurrent chemical looping (CL-RWGS) using non-stoichiometric oxides can overcome equilibrium limitations of conventional RWGS reactors, enabling significantly higher CO2 conversions. However, modeling the limiting performance of such systems …

Continue reading “Published at Chemical Engineering Journal – Thermodynamic modeling of countercurrent chemical looping reverse water gas shift process for redox material screening”

Abstract: Pumped thermal energy storage (PTES) is an innovative physical energy storage technology that converts surplus electricity into heat, stores it in thermal reservoirs, and reconverts it into electricity when needed. When CO2 is employed as the working fluid, PTES can offer advantages of potentially high round-trip efficiency, compact system equipment, and good operational flexibility …

Continue reading “Published at Applied Thermal Engineering – A technology review of pumped thermal energy storage based on CO2 cycles”

Abstract: As Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) technologies aim for higher operating temperatures to enhance efficiency and meet industrial process heat demands, high-temperature metallic materials, including nickel-based superalloys, face challenges in maintaining structural integrity. Advanced ceramics offer a promising alternative due to their superior high-temperature strength. However, accurately assessing the performance of ceramic components requires a …

Continue reading “Published at Solar Energy – srlife: A software tool for estimating the life of high temperature concentrating solar receivers. Part II – Ceramic receivers”

Abstract: Improving the operating temperature of the solar receiver can enhance power cycle efficiency in solar power towers by raising the turbine-inlet temperature. However, maintaining high efficiency and safety at ultra-high temperatures (>1573 K) remains challenging. Therefore, this work focuses on the design and optimization of an oval tungsten solar receiver. Firstly, the receiver performance under …

Continue reading “Published at Applied Thermal Engineering – Performance evaluation of an oval solar receiver for safe and efficient ultra-high temperature operation”