Design of Modular High Temperature Sodium Solar Collection Subsystems

Abstract

Optimised designs of 11.7MWth solar collection subsystem modules based on high temperature (740°C) sodium central receivers are investigated. Billboard and cavity receivers mounted on steel lattice towers are considered, and radially staggered and Cartesian heliostat field layouts are compared. A billboard receiver paired with a Cartesian heliostat field layout was found to give the overall lowest levelised cost of heat (LCOH), albeit with a significantly taller tower compared to using a radially staggered heliostat field layout.

Keywords

• Sodium
• Heliosim
• Optimisation
• Modular