Abstract: Methods of arranging and operating a molten salt solar thermal energy system are disclosed. Molten salt flows from a set of cold storage tanks to solar receivers which heat the molten salt to a maximum temperature of about 850° F. The heated molten salt is sent to a set of hot storage tanks. The heated molten salt is then pumped to a steam generation system to produce steam for process and/or power generation. Lower salt temperatures are useful in processes that use lower steam temperatures, such as thermal desalination. Lower salt temperatures and low chloride molten salt reduce the corrosion potential, permitting the use of lower cost alloys for the solar receivers, hot storage tanks, salt pumps, piping and instrumentation and steam generation system. Multiple sets of modular, shop assembled storage tanks are also used to reduce the amount of salt piping, simplify draining, and reduce field assembly and plant cost.

Abstract: A solar receiver includes: water jacket panels each having a light-receiving side and a back side with a watertight sealed plenum defined in-between; light apertures passing through the watertight sealed plenums to receive light from the light-receiving sides of the water jacket panels; a heat transfer medium gap defined between the back sides of the water jacket panels and a cylindrical back plate; and light channeling tubes optically coupled with the light apertures and extending into the heat transfer medium gap. In some embodiments ends of the light apertures at the light receiving side of the water jacket panel are welded together to define at least a portion of the light-receiving side. A cylindrical solar receiver may be constructed using a plurality of such water jacket panels arranged with their light-receiving sides facing outward.

Abstract: A solar receiver is disclosed. The solar receiver is modular, has multiple tube panels in a rectangular/square/polygonal/circular configuration, and is designed for use with molten salt or another heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer fluid flows in a vertical serpentine path through the sides (facets) of the solar receiver. The solar receiver can be shop assembled and can be used with a support tower to form a solar power system.

Abstract: A dual-exposure heat absorption panel is disclosed, which can be used in a solar receiver design. Generally, the heat absorption panel includes a tube panel through which a heat transfer fluid is flowed to absorb solar energy from heliostats that are focused on the tube panel. A structural support frame surrounds the tube panel. A stiffener structure runs across the exposed faces of the tube panel. The headers and other support structures on the periphery are protected by use of a heat shield.

Abstract: Methods of arranging and operating a molten salt solar thermal energy system are disclosed. Molten salt flows from a set of cold storage tanks to solar receivers which heat the molten salt to a maximum temperature of about 850° F. The heated molten salt is sent to a set of hot storage tanks. The heated molten salt is then pumped to a steam generation system to produce steam for process and/or power generation. Lower salt temperatures are useful in processes that use lower steam temperatures, such as thermal desalination. Lower salt temperatures and low chloride molten salt reduce the corrosion potential, permitting the use of lower cost alloys for the solar receivers, hot storage tanks, salt pumps, piping and instrumentation and steam generation system. Multiple sets of modular, shop assembled storage tanks are also used to reduce the amount of salt piping, simplify draining, and reduce field assembly and plant cost.

Abstract: A solar receiver has an arrangement of heat transfer surfaces and a heat transfer fluid phase separator, such as a vertical steam/water separator, fluidly interconnected thereto. The receiver includes a plurality of heat transfer fluid filled components, and at least one alternate heat source. When various temperature measurements indicate freezing or solidification of the fluid is possible, the alternate heat source is activated to maintain a temperature of the fluid greater than the freezing/solidification point of the fluid. The application of the alternate heat source further induces natural circulation of the fluid within the components, further providing freeze/solidification protection to the receiver. A controller may be configured to receive sensed temperatures of the fluid, components, ambient air, etc., and use these temperatures relative to a threshold temperature to activate, vary output, and deactivate one or more alternate heat sources.

Abstract: A shop-assembled solar receiver heat exchanger having an arrangement of heat transfer surfaces and a vertical steam/water separator structurally and fluidically interconnected thereto. A vertical support structure is provided to support the vertical separator and the heat transfer surfaces. The vertical support structure is bottom supported, while the vertical steam/water separator and heat exchanger heat transfer surfaces are top supported from the vertical support structure. The vertical support structure provides structural support and rigidity for the heat exchanger and a means by which the heat exchanger can be picked up and lifted for placement at a desired location. A fabrication/transport/lifting fixture is provided which facilitates fabrication, assembly, transportation and erection of the heat exchanger from the shop to the field. The fixture supports two trunnion shafts attached to the support structure of the receiver. Lifting lugs would be located on the top end of the support structure.

Abstract: A solar receiver includes: water jacket panels each having a light-receiving side and a back side with a watertight sealed plenum defined in-between; light apertures passing through the watertight sealed plenums to receive light from the light-receiving sides of the water jacket panels; a heat transfer medium gap defined between the back sides of the water jacket panels and a cylindrical back plate; and light channeling tubes optically coupled with the light apertures and extending into the heat transfer medium gap. In some embodiments ends of the light apertures at the light receiving side of the water jacket panel are welded together to define at least a portion of the light-receiving side. A cylindrical solar receiver may be constructed using a plurality of such water jacket panels arranged with their light-receiving sides facing outward.

Abstract: A solar receiver module includes a front tube sheet with light apertures, a back plate cooperating with the front tube sheet to define a sealed gap, and light channeling tubes optically coupled with the light apertures, extending through the gap and connecting with the back plate. A flowing heat transfer medium flows in the gap over exterior surfaces of the light channeling tubes. Slip joint engagements between light apertures and ends of most or all of the light channeling tubes accommodate thermal expansion. Each slip joint may be defined by an inner or outer perimeter of the light aperture receiving the end of the light channeling tube. A sub-set of the light channeling tubes may be welded to light apertures. A module support post may be secured at a center of the back plate and extend away oppositely from the front tube sheet. A welded or stamped tube sheet provides a seal between tubes at the front face of the tube modules.

Abstract: A solar receiver includes a multi-sided central assembly with wing assemblies extending from corners thereof. The central assembly includes one-sided heat absorption panels, while the wing assemblies use two-sided heat absorption panels. Stiffener structures run across the exposed faces of the various heat absorption panels.

Abstract: A solar receiver is disclosed. The solar receiver is modular, has multiple tube panels in a rectangular/square/polygonal/circular configuration, and is designed for use with molten salt or another heat transfer fluid. The heat transfer fluid flows in a vertical serpentine path through the sides (facets) of the solar receiver. The solar receiver can be shop assembled and can be used with a support tower to form a solar power system.

Abstract: A shop-assembled solar receiver heat exchanger having an arrangement of heat transfer surfaces and a vertical steam/water separator structurally and fluidically interconnected thereto. A vertical support structure is provided to support the vertical separator and the heat transfer surfaces. The vertical support structure is bottom supported, while the vertical steam/water separator and heat exchanger heat transfer surfaces are top supported from the vertical support structure. The vertical support structure provides structural support and rigidity for the heat exchanger and a means by which the heat exchanger can be picked up and lifted for placement at a desired location. A fabrication/transport/lifting fixture is provided which facilitates fabrication, assembly, transportation and erection of the heat exchanger from the shop to the field. The fixture supports two trunnion shafts attached to the support structure of the receiver. Lifting lugs would be located on the top end of the support structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for improving mixing and uniformity of furnace combustion gases in a boiler includes a slag screen 50, slag screen baffle 62 with a plurality of wingwall sections 52 situated between cyclone burner riser sections 64. This arrangement improves overall distribution of the burner exit gases 56 and uniformity by reducing stratification of the gases 58 exiting the burner. Additionally, the present invention increases the heat transfer effectiveness and ash collecting capability.

Abstract: A refractory tile adapted for protective fixation to the heat exchanger in an incinerator or furnace regardless of orientation. The tile includes a transverse groove which carries a shouldered slot to be guided by and mate securely with an anchor attached to the heat exchanger.