Publications Details

Design Considerations for Horizontal High-Temperature Particle Conveyance Components

Sment, Jeremy N.; Magaldi, Mario; Repole, Kenzo; Schroeder, Nathan

A design study was conducted at the National Solar Thermal Test Facility (NSTTF) at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, NM with the objective of identifying the technical readiness level, performance limits, capital and O&M costs, and expected thermal losses of particle handling and conveyance components in a particle-based CSP plant. Key findings indicated that skips and high temperature particle conveyance technology are available for moving particles up to 615° ± 25° C. This limits the use of mechanical conveyance above the heat exchanger and suggests vertical integration of the hot storage bin and heat exchanger to facilitate direct gravity fed handling of particles. Skip rails and support structures add significant cost and must be factored into cost analysis. Chutes can be a low-cost option for particle handling but uncertainties in tower costs make it difficult to know whether they can be cost effective in areas above the receiver.