Link to document:
Status
Electronic Resource
Call number
Publication
EPRI ER 629; Report; January 1978.
Language
Library's review
ABSTRACT:
In December 1974 the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) contracted Boeing to examine the technical feasibility of a high-temperature, gas-cooled central receiver for solar energy in conjunction with a closed helium Brayton cycle for collecting the receiver thermal energy and
The technical feasibility of a high-temperature central receiver in a solar plant employing closed-cycle helium as a heat transport fluid was examined in terms of system life, efficiency, cost, and technology requirements. These considerations have been implemented in the conceptual design of a receiver and its components for utilization in a solar plant of 100 megawatts of electrical power output. The rationale is provided that supports the configuration, equipment arrangement, and material choices. Thermal cycling tests simulating 30-year lifetime of the receiver's heat exchangers at temperatures to 816°c (1,500°F) and at 3.45-MN/m^2 (500 psi) helium pressure, confirmed material choices. Preliminary design considerations are presented for a 1 megawatt thermal test receiver and for a 10 megawatt electrical pilot plant.
The report also contains system/supporting-subsystem definition for employing the central receiver design in a solar plant. This includes conceptual design of several thermal energy storage devices and their integration into plant operation.
In December 1974 the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) contracted Boeing to examine the technical feasibility of a high-temperature, gas-cooled central receiver for solar energy in conjunction with a closed helium Brayton cycle for collecting the receiver thermal energy and
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converting that energy to electrical power. These choices were based upon the following rationale: (1) previous studies have identified the central receiver system as the most economically attractive concept; (2) the Brayton gas cycle operation precludes the two-phase flow problems of water steam Rankine cycles; (3) gas operation at high temperatures promises the highest power conversion efficiencies and lowest cost; and (4) the minimum cooling water requirements facilitate plant siting.The technical feasibility of a high-temperature central receiver in a solar plant employing closed-cycle helium as a heat transport fluid was examined in terms of system life, efficiency, cost, and technology requirements. These considerations have been implemented in the conceptual design of a receiver and its components for utilization in a solar plant of 100 megawatts of electrical power output. The rationale is provided that supports the configuration, equipment arrangement, and material choices. Thermal cycling tests simulating 30-year lifetime of the receiver's heat exchangers at temperatures to 816°c (1,500°F) and at 3.45-MN/m^2 (500 psi) helium pressure, confirmed material choices. Preliminary design considerations are presented for a 1 megawatt thermal test receiver and for a 10 megawatt electrical pilot plant.
The report also contains system/supporting-subsystem definition for employing the central receiver design in a solar plant. This includes conceptual design of several thermal energy storage devices and their integration into plant operation.
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