The fluidized bed solar particle receiver (SPR) has the potential to be used widely in the next generation concentrated solar power (CSP) plant as its high operating temperature, excellent stability and high energy storage capacity. However, the particle circulation pattern and temperature distribution are difficult to be visualized and measured by experimental methods, and there is a lack of improvement on the internal structure of the receiver. In this contribution, a three-dimensional transient numerical model is developed to study the flow and heat transfer characteristics under solar radiation. The solid particles show a clear symmetrical distribution in the receiver at the initial moment. With the continuous access of the gas, the movement of particles in the receiver becomes random and irregular. The average particle temperature can reaching 1645.34 K after 10 s, but the temperature rise rate of the particles gradually weakens. In the radial direction, the radiation distribution shows a likely Gaussian distribution. Simulation results can provide reference for the design and improvement of solar particle receiver. The radiation intensity gradually increases with the increase of axial height, and finally remains stable.

Peng Wang, Yonghua Li. Numerical investigation of flow and heat transfer characteristics in a fluidized bed solar particle receiver. International Journal of Frontiers in Engineering Technology (2024), Vol. 6, Issue 4: 31-38. https://doi.org/10.25236/IJFET.2024.060406.

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