An optimisation study of a solar tower receiver: the influence of geometry and material, heat flux, and heat transfer fluid on thermal and mechanical performance

The solar receiver is considered the cornerstone of the solar tower power system. In particular, it receives high-temperature heat flux rays, and extracts the maximum heat energy to be transferred to the heat transfer fluid, while minimising any thermal and mechanical stresses. Reducing the solar receiver size helps to reduce the loss of spillage; consequently, the thermal stress increases. Using a solar receiver with inserted triangular longitudinal fins enhances the heat transfer as well as strengthens the receiver tube. This study aims to optimise the number of fins, heat flux aiming point, heat transfer fluid, nanoparticle effect with molten salt as the base fluid, and type of receiver material. Non-uniform heat flux with the cosine and Gaussian effects have been considered. When the number of fins (N) increases, the maximum temperature (T_max) decreases and the heat transfer is enhanced. When N = 20, T_max = 656.4 K and when N = 1, T_max = 683.55, while the efficiency for N = 1 is greater by 3% compared to when N = 20. The cosine distribution of heat flux has a higher maximum temperature than the Gaussian distribution by 29% and is 102% higher in receiver efficiency. The thermal efficiency when the heat flux is aimed at the middle point of the receiver is higher by 10% compared with a lower or upper aiming point. Using Al₂O₃ nanoparticles with a concentration of 0.5 wt.% increases the thermal efficiency by 14% more than when using pure molten salt when Re = 38000. Using liquid sodium is not required to monitor the peak heat flux, and by adding triangular fins the displacement and thermal stress are 6.5 % lower compared to a smooth receiver.