Radiation propagation in a hierarchical solar volumetric absorber: Results of single-photon avalanche diode measurements and Monte Carlo ray tracing analysis

Luca Pratticò, Nicola Fronza, Ruben Bartali, Andrea Chiappini, Enrico Sciubba, J. González-Aguilar and Luigi Crema

Renewable Energy, 2021, vol. 180, issue C, 482-493

Abstract: Volumetric solar receivers are essential components in high-temperature concentrated solar power plants. Their optical design is crucial for achieving efficient photon-thermal energy conversion; however, their three-dimensional geometry complicates a reliable and accurate optical characterization. This work proposes a new methodology for the 3D optical-performance analysis of the volumetric absorber having an open hierarchical structure. Firstly, the solar absorber is optically characterized using a test bench that mainly comprises a solar simulator and a customized instrument equipped with single-photon avalanche diodes, which holds the absorber and measures light flux on its external surface. Then experimental measurements are compared with a Monte Carlo ray-tracing numerical model. The results are consequently employed to understand light propagation in the absorber. This procedure is successfully applied to characterize a complex three-dimensional self-similar structure manufactured by Selective Laser Melting. The proposed experimental technique is a promising candidate for becoming a robust in operando method to characterize the radiation propagation within the complex porous structures employed for volumetric receivers.

Keywords: Concentrating solar energy; Solar receiver; Single-photon avalanche diodes; Monte Carlo ray tracing (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:renene:v:180:y:2021:i:c:p:482-493

DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2021.08.069

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