FLOW DISTRIBUTION CALCULATIONS IN REGENERATOR-TYPE HEAT STORAGE FOR SOLAR TOWER PLANTS

Abstract Regenerator-type storage is a self-evident technology choice for use with air-cooled central receiver power plants. Though well adaptable to the needs of this application, its design involves the risk of flow maldistribution resulting in unexpected performance losses. This paper describes CFD-based calculations used to elaborate the determining factors for flow distribution. These include: the shape of the dome, its geometry and the impact of inventory pressure loss. Parametric studies are performed for a cone-shaped distributor. Finally, correlations are derived to make the results exploitable for future designs.