COMPARISON BETWEEN DIFFERENT DESIGN CONCEPTS OF RECEIVERS/REACTORS FOR THERMOCHEMICAL CONVERSION OF CONCENTRATED SOLAR ENERGY

Abstract

In this paper, a zero-order mathematical model based on first law analysis of the Thermochemical Energy Conversion (TCEC) process of concentrated solar energy have been developed. The model assumptions consider the general case for which the receiver/reactor is the direct volumetric absorption and/or indirect receiver/reactor. The thermal decomposition of a single chemical species and endothermic reversible chemical reaction is considered as the reaction system. A qualitative comparison of the model results gave a satisfactory agreement with selected experimental results. The proposed model was used to compare the general thermochemical behavior of the three general types of receivers/reactors proposed for the TCEC process operating in both continuous and in the discontinuous flow regimes. Comparison of the thermal characteristics of the TCEC process with other traditional conversion processes was also performed. Finally, conclusions were drawn to assist any further development and understanding of the TCEC process.