Category: Recently Published CSP Papers in Journals

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”

Abstract: Currently the thermal effect of light has received extensive attention in the field of concentrating solar power gasification, but the non-thermal effect of light has been neglected. In this study, a high-flux solar simulator was coupled with a thermogravimetric analyzer and the thermal effects of concentrating solar power were effectively controlled. The non-thermal effect …

Continue reading “Published at Renewable Energy – Study of enhanced gasification of biochar by non-thermal concentrating solar power using novel high-flux solar simulator thermogravimetric analyzer system”

Abstract: The two-step solar-thermochemical cycle process for water splitting is a promising technology for hydrogen generation with very high theoretical efficiencies. This study investigates the operational behavior of a prototype solar reactor with thermal power of 250 kW. A multi-physical reactor model is used for analyzing the dynamical process behavior of the reactor’s porous metal …

Continue reading “Published at International Journal of Hydrogen Energy – Process behavior analysis of a fixed-bed solar reactor for hydrogen generation via two-step thermochemical redox cycling”

Abstract: This study addresses the direct reduction of iron ore with hydrogen and solar energy as the process heat source for clean iron/steel making and decarbonation of the metallurgical process. A novel rotary-type solar reactor was designed, constructed and tested for demonstration of hydrogen-based direct iron ore reduction under real direct solar irradiation. Such a …

Continue reading “Published at Chemical Engineering Journal – A novel rotary-cavity reactor for sustainable solar metallurgy: Design and experimental demonstration of direct reduction of iron ore”

Abstract: The global freshwater crisis poses an existential threat to sustainable development worldwide. Desalination has emerged as a critical solution, but conventional fossil-fuel plants are energy-intensive and emit substantial greenhouse gases. Concentrating solar power (CSP) offers a promising renewable pathway to drive thermal desalination processes. However, CSP-desalination integration requires thoughtful system configuration design to maximize …

Continue reading “Published at Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews – Realizing the promise of concentrating solar power for thermal desalination: A review of technology configurations and optimizations”

Abstract: Concentrated solar thermal (CST) systems, capable of driving high-temperature processes up to 2000 K, hold significant potential for chemical and industrial applications. This paper reviews methods for measuring concentrated solar flux, focusing on their role in calculating key optical performance metrics such as concentration ratio and optical efficiency. It also explores the challenges associated …

Continue reading “Published at Solar Energy – Advancements, challenges, and opportunities in the measurement of high heat flux for concentrated solar thermal systems”