Investigation of High Temperature Receivers at Heat Loss Test Bench and Field Simulations with SAM

The heat loss investigations were pursued for a high temperature solar receiver which is designed for molten salt use. Existing test bench was analyzed by questioning possible problems such as uneven temperature distribution, undetected heat loss mechanisms etc.; and enhancements were done in order to improve the quality and accuracy of the measurement. Heat loss curve was graphed and emissivity values were calculated for the molten salt receiver. Theoretical analyses were pursued and a one-dimensional heat loss model of the receiver was used to examine the effect of the environmental conditions on heat loss and outer glass temperature. Uncertainty analyses were presented in order to determine the contributions of different factors to the accuracy of the experiment. The obtained results were compared with similar molten salt receivers. In order to see the performance and financial aspects of the receiver parameters on CSP plants, a simulation tool System Advisor Model (SAM) developed by National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) was used. Different developed cases were simulated to conduct a detailed comparison study with the outputs of levelized cost of energy, annual energy generation and investment value to investigate the effects of different receivers, operation temperatures, heat transfer fluids, collectors, number of field subsections, and designed plant capacities