Abstract: This invention provides a thin wall header fabricated from a nickel-base superalloy, UNS N06626, for the solar absorption panels in a molten nitrate salt solar central receiver. The thin wall header is obtained by using multiple flow distribution nozzles to yield the smallest diameter header having uniform flow distribution for the panel tubes while providing enough space to butt weld the tubes to the nozzles with an automatic orbital weld head and avoid overlapment of the nozzle reinforcement regions. This small diameter combined with the high allowable tensile stress of UNS N06626 results in a thin wall header. The thin wall small diameter UNS N06626 header with its low thermal expansion coefficient and small temperature gradients and differentials during cloud cover induced molten salt temperature transients yields low thermal strains in the tube nozzle to header region. The nozzles may be formed by direct extrusion from the header wall or by insert-welding a machined nozzle into the header wall.

Abstract: This invention provides a thin wall header fabricated from a nickel-base superalloy, UNS N06626, for the solar absorption panels in a molten nitrate salt solar central receiver. The thin wall header is obtained by using multiple flow distribution nozzles to yield the smallest diameter header having uniform flow distribution for the panel tubes while providing enough space to butt weld the tubes to the nozzles with an automatic orbital weld head and avoid overlapment of the nozzle reinforcement regions. This small diameter combined with the high allowable tensile stress of UNS N06626 results in a thin wall header. The thin wall small diameter UNS N06626 header with its low thermal expansion coefficient and small temperature gradients and differentials during cloud cover induced molten salt temperature transients yields low thermal strains in the tube nozzle to header region. The nozzles may be formed by direct extrusion from the header wall or by insert-welding a machined nozzle into the header wall.

Abstract: This invention provides a molten salt, solar central smooth tube receiver that is able to effectively absorb a peak solar flux of 1.42 MW/M.sup.2 by constructing the receiver from low cycle fatigue 625 alloy. Although higher flux levels are attainable for a smooth tube receiver by reducing the tube diameter to increase the salt's heat transfer coefficient, the receiver's size is optimized at this flux level to minimize capital and performance costs. Analogously, material provides substantial performance and capital cost improvements for receivers constructed with internally enhanced film coefficient tubes. The receiver's cost is minimized by utilizing autogenously welded and drawn tubing with the weld located at the tube's neutral axis to provide minimal strain at the weld.

Abstract: This invention reduces a molten salt, solar central receiver's size, pressure loss and cost by using a loose-tight-loose twist, twisted-tape insert inside the receiver's tubes to enhance the tube's heat transfer coefficient. This twist staging is designed to provide a higher heat transfer coefficient in the receiver's central region where the solar flux is high and a reduced pressure loss at the low solar flux entrance and exit end regions. Because the twisted-tape enhances the tube's heat transfer ability it can be made larger in diameter than a smooth bore tube at an equivalent pressure loss. This reduces the number of tubes which results in a substantial reduction in receiver cost.

Abstract: This invention provides an easily removable support clip for a solar receiver panel tube. A key feature of this concept is its easy assembly and disassembly without requiring access to the back side of the panel. Another key feature is the design of the clip can accommodate very severe thermal transients without exceeding the material's capacity to sustain these strains.