Stirling solar receiver
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Azelio AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 2 628 000 |
| Project duration | September 2016 - May 2019 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | The strategic innovation programme for Metallic material |
Purpose and goal
The project deals with applying the knowledge about new metallic materials and development of new methods to increase the efficensy, higher temperature and life and to have a even temperature distribution on the solar receiver in a Stirling engine. The approach of the project is research at KTH, analysis and testing at Azelio and construction and production at Brogren Industries. The objective s have proved to be possible by: 1. Material alteration in the receiver 2. Coating on cavity and receiver 3. New type of heat exchanger where the working gas is surrounded by liquid sodium
Expected results and effects
Analyzes showed that chosen material for the receiver had insufficient strength at the desired temperature as well as welding difficulties. The project was reformulated. Tests in KTH showed that the heat loss is reduced a few percent when coating and form of cavity are optimized. The tubes in the new heat exchanger, surrounded by liquid sodium, provides better and more uniform heat exchange with the engine´s working gas. Brogrens did the development work in laser welding and made the hardware. This was integrated into a Stirling engine and the experimental tests were performed by Azelio.
Planned approach and implementation
The project has been carried out between the KTH, Azelio AB (Cleanergy) and Brogrens. The project management and organization have been carried out by Azelio. The analytical and experimental tests in KTH were carried out by the Ph.D. student Jorge Garrido and set up with the help of service technicians. The design and construction of the new heat exchanger has been made by Azelio. Production and development of new laser methods were performed by Brogrens. Finally, rebuilding the solar engine and integration of the new heat exchanger and testing have been done at Azelio.