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In addition, molten chloride salt corrosion testing was performed at 800☌ for the monolithic SiC tube material used for the inner layer of the multilayer SiC tubes. No changes were noted in the visual appearance of the specimens after solar aging. Measurement of optical properties after multiple exposure cycles to solar fluxes up to 350 suns showed that the solar absorptances for all four sample types, which were in the range of 0.95 to 0.96, were not adversely affected by solar aging.
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Edison mail slant simulator#
The most promising specimen types were selected for solar spectrum testing, which was performed at Sandia using their modified High Flux Solar Simulator facility for the four selected specimen types. Sandia evaluated the room-temperature optical properties of specimens obtained from these tubes although these tube specimens exhibited high solar absorptance (> 0.95), their emittance was also relatively high. As described further in this report, CTP fabricated six 24” long receiver tube samples that incorporated several different selective absorbing materials in the SiC/SiC composite layer of the multilayer SiC tubes and evaluated the application of surface coatings using sol-gel dip coating methods. In addition, CTP proposed to develop a conceptual design for a SiC-based receiver assembly and to perform a preliminary cost assessment for the receiver assembly. In order to meet the SETO objectives, CTP proposed a Phase I STTR project to demonstrate tubes with improved optical properties (i.e., high solar absorptance and reduced IR emittance) and corrosion resistance to molten chloride salt at 800☌. Ceramic Tubular Products’ unique multilayer SiC tube technology is ideally suited for applications that require thermal-mechanical stability at high-temperatures and in corrosive environments. To this end, Ceramic Tubular Products (CTP) proposed a Phase I STTR project to further develop its unique multilayer SiC composite more » tube technology, and ultimately demonstrate the superior CSP power plant performance and cost when this technology is applied to high-temperature molten salt solar-thermal receivers. Specifically, the DOE Topic request for proposals stated that “SETO is seeking integrated solutions that can advance solar energy technologies by lowering cost while facilitating the secure integration into the nation’s energy grid.” While subtopic 12.f covered a broad range of technologies, it specifically included concentrating solar thermal technologies to generate high-temperature heat for electricity generation and other end uses. « lessĭE-FOA-0001941 subtopic 12.f requested proposals aimed at improving the affordability, reliability, and performance of solar technologies on the grid. Several other important insights regarding possible next-generation power towers were also drawn: (1) the evaluation of receiver-tube materials that are capable of higher fluxes and temperatures, (2) suggested plant reliability improvements based on a detailed evaluation of the Solar Two experience, and (3) a thorough evaluation of analysis uncertainties. However, most of that benefit can be achieved by raising the temperature to only 600 C. The data collected from the Solar Two project suggest that the electricity cost goals established for power towers are reasonable and can be achieved with some simple design = 8% reduction in LCOE can be expected by raising salt temperature to 650 C. The final section summarizes the successes of Solar Two and the current technology development activities. The fourth section details the expected performance and cost goals for the first commercial molten-salt power tower plant and includes a comparison of the commercial performance goals to the actual performance at Solar One and Solar Two.
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This section draws on Solar Two experience as well as results of continuing power tower development efforts conducted jointly by industry and Sandia National Laboratories. The third section presents preliminary information regarding the likely configuration of the next molten-salt power tower plant. This discussion is followed by a review of the Solar Two project-what was planned, what actually occurred, what was learned, and what was accomplished. The report starts with an overview of power tower technology, including the progression from Solar One to the Solar Two project.
Edison mail slant update#
This report utilizes the results of the Solar Two project, as well as continuing technology development, to update the technical and economic status of molten-salt power towers.
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