Development of a Preliminary Design and a One-Dimensional Model for a Direct Contact Heat Exchanger

A physics-based, one-dimensional model of a direct contact heat exchanger (DCHX) that is suited for use in a concentrated solar power (CSP) system that is based on a central receiver power tower (CRPT) particle heating receiver (PHR) is created. In the course of the study, CRPT systems were analyzed, including molten salt, water, air, and particulates. There are a variety of alternate designs for the particle-to-fluid heat exchanger (PFHX), which are discussed in this thesis. In this study, more investigation was conducted into the falling particle DCHX and its performance. A one-dimensional model is constructed using equation-solving software to simulate the thermal and fluid behavior of a monodisperse particle-to-fluid direct contact heat exchanger (DCHX). Literature research has been conducted on the available high-temperature materials and alloys, which could be used to manufacture the heat exchanger’s body that operates at extremely high temperatures and moderate pressure. The thermal and fluid dynamical performance is presented, including the total heat transfer coefficient, the temperature and velocity of the one-size particles and the air, and the pressure drop. It was shown that particles with a diameter of 0.6 mm generate much better results than those with 0.3 or 0.9 mm in diameter. According to the parametric experiments' findings, increasing the terminal temperature difference or the particle mass flow rate results in an improvement in the DCHX's thermal performance. Additional parametric tests were conducted to investigate the heat exchanger's performance in various circumstances. Ultimately, a preferred concept is identified and justified.M.S