Category: News

Abstract: Molten salt thermal energy storage (TES) tanks ensure steady power output of concentrating solar power (CSP) plants; however, recent tank failures have highlighted the need for further analysis. Current studies primarily focus on analyzing the molten salt flow, heat transfer, and thermal efficiency. Additionally, research on the latest tank structures is limited and lacks …

Continue reading “Published at Applied Thermal Engineering – Analysis of thermal and mechanical properties with inventory level of the molten salt storage tank in central receiver concentrating solar power plants”

Abstract Heliostat fields represent the primary energy input for concentrating solar-thermal power based on power tower technology. They typically account for 40 %–50 % of the implementation cost of a power tower plant. Therefore, it is essential to optimize the solar tracking accuracy of heliostats to reduce solar tracking errors that lead to deviations in …

Continue reading “Published at Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews – Sources of solar tracking errors and correction strategies for heliostats”

Abstract: Wind loads are a major driver of heliostat cost. Standardized methods and tools are needed for a more detailed understanding of the static and dynamic loads of a heliostat design. This will enable cost reduction of wind-dependent heliostats to avoid unnecessarily conservative heliostat designs and increase field efficiency and reliability to reduce the risk …

Continue reading “Published at Journal of Solar Energy Engineering – Heliostat Consortium: Gap Analysis on State of the Art in Wind Load Design”

Abstract: Two-step thermochemical fuel production cycles powered using concentrating solar systems offer a route to convert solar energy to chemical fuels. In this work, we offer a critical assessment of the state of the art, a detailed technical analysis of this technology in terms of theoretical limitations and potential performance, and potential paths forward in …

Continue reading “Published at Solar Compass – A critical perspective and analysis of two-step thermochemical fuel production cycles”

Abstract: The reformation of methane to hydrogen and steam in a falling particle solar reactor (FPSR) is a promising method to use the solar energy, which converts solar energy into chemical energy. FPSR has higher operation temperature, higher pressure bearing capacity and more direct heat energy storage than those of traditional reactor. However, due to …

Continue reading “Published at Applied Thermal Engineering – Investigations of inlet arrangement strategies and particle parameters on thermochemical performance in falling particle solar reactors”

Abstract: The reactor is the core component of the hydrogen production system. Although hydrogen production using solar energy as the heat source can effectively reduce carbon emissions, the reactor faces the problem of uneven heating caused by the collector, and the uneven temperature distribution will significantly affect the hydrogen production process. A key characteristic of …

Continue reading “Published at Applied Thermal Engineering – Proposal of a novel solar-driven thermochemical reactor for green hydrogen production using helical flow channels”