Heat transfer modeling of the IEA/SSPS (International Energy Agency/Small Solar Power Systems) volumetric receiver

A wire-pack volumetric receiver was tested in 1987 in Almeria, Spain, by the International Energy Agency/Small Solar Power Systems (IEA/SSPS). Although the experiment goal was strictly proof-of-concept and was not receiver characterization, modeling efforts were initiated to help understand the experimental results. The steady-state performance and comparisons to experimental data are presented. The model allows an absorber design to be thermally characterized and optimized based on solar energy transfer characteristics and temperature distributions in the receiver. Model predictions of receiver power and efficiency are generally higher than the test results (operational modifications are believed to have produced nonideal conditions), but trends are consistent with experimental data. 12 refs., 5 figs.