High-Performance SiC–Based Solar Receivers for CSP: Component Manufacturing and Joining

Concentrated solar power (CSP) is an important option as a competitive, secure, and sustainable energy system. At the moment, cost-effective solutions are required for a wider-scale deployment of the CSP technology: in particular, the industrial exploitation of CSP has been so far hindered by limitations in the materials used for the central receiver—a key component in the system. In this context, the H2020 NEXTOWER project is focused on next-generation CSP technologies, particularly on advanced materials for high temperatures (e.g., >900 °C) and extreme applications environments (e.g., corrosive). The research activity described in this paper is focused on two industrial solutions for new SiC ceramic receivers for high thermal gradient continued operations: porous SiC and silicon-infiltrated silicon carbide ceramics (SiSiC). The new receivers should be mechanically tough and highly thermally conductive. This paper presents the activity related to the manufacturing of these components, their joining, and characterization.