Advanced solar receivers: high temperature steam loop experiments. Final report

The feasibility of generating 1500 F/1500 psia steam using a once-through steam generator mounted in a downward facing cavity receiver has been demonstrated. Critical design problems associated with a solar cavity receiver/steam generator combination with central receiver applications have been examined. Testing conducted at 1506 F/587 psia, 1450 F/1250 psia, and 1424 F/1594 psia successfully demonstrated the concept and provided data on (1) superheater outlet circumferential temperature gradients, (2) transient operations, (3) maximum tube wall temperatures, (4) tube wall to outlet steam temperature differences, (5) equipment problems and system oscillations, (6) receiver/cavity efficiencies, (7) heat fluxes at the outlet of the superheater and in the vaporizer section. Recommendations to future work are also made. 7 references, 80 figures, 5 tables.