Radiant Thermal Performance Enhancement of the Base Case Receiver for Advanced Solar Dynamic Applications

Solar Dynamic Power Generation Systems have been proposed for a number of specific applications involving electrical power generation in space. Such systems operate utilizing a standard thermodynamic heat engine but rely on a focused solar energy as a high temperature source. Such systems are being designed with peak cycle temperatures of about 1000 K, this temperature being restricted largely by materials limitations. An inherent feature of most designs is that the incident solar flux is highly nonuniform. Ultimately this may result in large thermal stresses, poor utilization of thermal storage materials and excessive variations in cycle peak operating temperature. Each problem may adversely affect system size, weight and design life. This paper explores the potential for countering the nonuniform incident heat flux by providing for radiant redistribution within the receiver. This is accomplished by ensuring that all high temperature surfaces are also high emissivity surfaces for thermal radiation. The potential for system performance enhancement through incorporation of re-radiation has been a subject of this study and results are reported herein.