Effect of Reflector Structure on Solar Collecting Performance of Thermal Receiveâ€storage Cavity

Abstract

Thermal receiveâ€storage cavity is made of superalloy. It work in harsh conditions, for example, high temperature, thermal shock and corrosion. What’s more, reflector structure has important influence on radiation utilization. Consequently, for cylindrical cavity receiver, the effects of conical reflector and (with different taper angles which marked with 2φ) hemispheric reflectors on radiation heat flux and temperature uniformity on the receiver cavity inside surface were studied. Solar radiation utilization of the cavity with hemisphere reflector is lower than that of cone reflector with any taper angles; when φ<40°, average temperature on cavity inside surface is relatively higher and decreases linearly with the increasing of φ. Synthesizes radiation utilization and temperature uniformity on the receiver cavity inside surface, conical reflector with φ=30° should be selected. The study can provide guidance on designing cylindrical thermal receiveâ€storage cavity.