Numerical Simulation of a Centrifugal Particle Receiver for High-Temperature Concentrating Solar Applications

A three-dimensional, steady-state finite-element model (FEM) model of a centrifugal particle receiver for high-temperature concentrating solar applications has been developed. The model is built according to an experimentally examined 15 kW prototype in order to investigate the thermal receiver performance and the governing heat transfer mechanisms of the proposed receiver concept. Comparison to the experimental data reveals good agreement in terms of particle outlet temperature and absorbed heat. For a target particle outlet temperature of 900°C and a design input flux of 1 MW/m², a receiver efficiency of >85% is predicted, indicating promising perspectives for the proposed receiver concept.