Cavity receiver thermal performance analysis based on total heat loss coefficient and efficiency factor

Abstract

Summary A cavity structure effectively decreases the heat loss of a receiver. This paper applies the widely used collector analysis method to derive the total heat loss coefficient and efficiency factor for a cavity receiver. Based on the derived factors, this paper investigates the effect of different parameters, such as absorber surface temperature and emissivity, on thermal performance. The absorber surface emissivity significantly affects the total heat loss coefficient at high temperatures. The effect of the absorber surface temperature on the total heat loss coefficient is significant, while the effect of the ambient temperature on the total heat loss coefficient can be ignored. The present results can help to determine the testing conditions for the cavity receiver by using molten salt as the heat transfer fluid.