Revolutionizing Solar Power Generation: The Falling Particle Receiver

🌞The falling particle receiver allows for much higher concentrations of solar power, with over a thousand times the sun's irradiance.

🌡️Ceramic particles, commonly used in the oil and gas industry, are heated directly in the receiver, reaching temperatures well over a thousand degrees Celsius.

🔄The particles can be stored to generate heat or electricity at different times, or recirculated through the system for even higher temperatures.

💡The falling particle receiver opens up new possibilities for thermochemical storage, industrial process heat, and water treatment.

🔋Achieving 90% thermal efficiency with the falling particle receiver contributes to the Department of Energy's SunShot initiative to make solar energy cost competitive.

How is the falling particle receiver different from conventional receivers?

—The falling particle receiver heats ceramic particles directly, allowing for higher concentrations and eliminating the need for tubes.

What are the advantages of using ceramic particles?

—Ceramic particles, also known as proppants, are commercially available and widely used in the oil and gas industry. They can withstand high temperatures and are cost-effective.

How can the particles be used for energy storage?

—The particles can be stored to generate heat or electricity at different times, allowing for 24/7 electricity production and efficient energy storage.

What are the potential applications of the falling particle receiver?

—The falling particle receiver has applications in thermochemical storage, industrial process heat, and water treatment, addressing global energy and water needs.

How does the falling particle receiver contribute to the SunShot initiative?

—Achieving 90% thermal efficiency with the falling particle receiver aligns with the Department of Energy's SunShot initiative to make solar energy cost competitive.

00:06Engineers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed the world's first continuously recirculating high-temperature falling particle receiver for concentrating solar power.

01:00Conventional receivers use tubes to transfer heat from concentrated sunlight, while the falling particle receiver heats ceramic particles directly.

02:09Ceramic particles, also known as proppants, are commonly used in the oil and gas industry and can withstand high temperatures.

03:37The falling particle receiver allows for higher concentrations of solar power, reaching well over a thousand times the sun's irradiance.

04:32The falling particle receiver enables cheap and efficient energy storage, contributing to the Department of Energy's SunShot initiative.