Australian National University Solar Thermal Receiver

Important / features / notes:

The Cavity Receiver Project has the objective of increasing the understanding of thermal loss mechanisms and increasing the efficiencies of high temperature solar thermal receivers. A ‘receiver’ is the device at the optical focal region of a solar concentrator (in this case, the ANU’s 500 m2 ‘SG4’ Big Dish). The role of the receiver is to convert focussed solar radiation into thermal energy (heat), which can be carried away by a heat transfer fluid (in this case, water/steam) for storage or further energy conversion downstream. The dish features a two axis mechanism for tracking such that it can point directly at the sun throughout the day. The orientation of the receiver relative to the horizon changes throughout the day as the dish tracks the sun. However, the receiver remains in a constant position relative to the dish reflective surface, which means that the shape of the flux profile incident on the receiver is consistent, with the heat intensity changing in proportion to the incoming solar radiation. The receiver features water / steam as the working fluid to match the existing ANU dish facilities. It is a once-through helically wound tube design. The new receiver is designed for peak steam condition values of up to: - Receiver Inlet: 50°C, 160 bar - Receiver Exit: 600°C, 150 bar The forming of the pipe and tube was controlled with CNC rolling machines and checked using laser cut templates. The special geometry of the coil presented added complexity for assembly and welding. Every butt weld was radiographed, all attachment welds, LPI tested to ensure a quality product.

Project completion:

2015

Solar Thermal Receiver

Solar Thermal Receiver (Once through boiler). Radiant Heater Coil and frame – For receiving concentrated solar radiation from 500m2 big dish at ANU.

Customer

Australian National University (ANU)

Materials

Inconel Alloy 601 and alloy 600 (UNS No;6600) seamless pipe and tube
ASTM A240 TP316 stainless steel

Welding Processes / Procedures

Manual TIG process

Fabrication Standards / National Codes

Coil – AS 4037-1999 Table 8.4 Class 1 Piping
Frame – AS/NZS 15554.6 Table 6.3.2 Class B

Quality Assurance Requirements

Material certification for all materials.
Inspection and Test Plan ( ITP)
Trial assembly of the unit
100% radiography on butt weld joints
LPI on attachment welding
Hydrotest of assembly
Drain & dry assembly, then paint with pyromark high temperature paint
Controlled Heat Treatment (670 degC) of painted assembly
Fitment of thermocouples on inside and outside of coil

Australian National University Solar Thermal Receiver

Australian National University Solar Thermal Receiver

Important / features / notes:

Project completion:

Solar Thermal Receiver

Customer

Materials

Welding Processes / Procedures

Fabrication Standards / National Codes

Quality Assurance Requirements

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