Characterizing Particle-Based Thermal Storage Performance using Optical Methods for use in Next Generation Concentrating Solar Power Plants

Javier Corona, Dallin Stout, Todd Otanicar, Nirmala Kandadai

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) generation is an attractive option for low-emission power generation; however, the high costs of thermal storage associated with concentrating solar create a large barrier for their use and adaptation into modern life. Lowering their operation costs, while maintaining high thermal storage and transfer performance is essential. Solid particle-based heat exchange systems can reduce CSP cost but are often less efficient. Efforts to increase their performance have led to use of binary size particle mixes. Presented is an optical-based thermal analysis technique used to measure near-wall thermal conductivity of particle beds essential in determining their heat exchanger efficiency. Modulated Photothermal Radiometry is used to make dynamic temperature measurements, allowing for the extraction of the most relevant thermal properties like thermal conductivity, specific heat, and effusivity. The system uses a modulated laser source causing a damped periodic heat flux, resulting in a frequency and thermal property dependent surface temperature, of which is measured using radiometry. Lock-In techniques are used to extrapolate the amplitude of the signal. Plotting the amplitude against the root angular frequency allows for effusivity measurement by ratio to a known sample. Using specific heat measurements from literature and density measurements, the thermal conductivity of the particle mixes can be calculated. The simplicity of MPTR to probe through the depth of the bed is ideal for use in CSP for dynamic thermal performance monitoring.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationNonimaging Optics
Subtitle of host publicationEfficient Design for Illumination and Solar Concentration XVIII
EditorsRoland Winston, R. John Koshel, Lun Jiang
ISBN (Electronic)9781510654242
DOIs
StatePublished - 2022
EventNonimaging Optics: Efficient Design for Illumination and Solar Concentration XVIII 2022 - San Diego, United States
Duration: 21 Aug 2022 → …

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume12220
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Conference

ConferenceNonimaging Optics: Efficient Design for Illumination and Solar Concentration XVIII 2022
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego
Period21/08/22 → …

Keywords

  • concentrating solar
  • MPTR
  • particle bed
  • thermal conductivity

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