A direct absorber reactor/receiver for solar thermal applications

✍ Scribed by R.E. Hogan Jr.; R.D. Skocypec; R.B. Diver; J.D. Fish; M. Garrait; J.T. Richardson

• Book ID: 103008731
• Publisher: Elsevier Science
• Year: 1990
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 812 KB
• Volume: 45
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0009-2509
• DOI: 10.1016/0009-2509(90)80167-d

✦ Synopsis

A novel catalytic reactor concept is described in which concentrated radiant (solar) energy is directly absorbed at the catalytic reaction sites, thereby avoiding the heat-transfer limitations of conventional tubular reactors for high-flux conditions. Results from a detailed numerical model of a direct catalytic absorption reactor illustrate unique features of the reactor and critical design requirements of the volumetric absorber. Numerical predictions compare well with preliminary experimental data for carbon dioxide reforming of methane to synthesis gas. Thermal and chemical conditions of the absorber for a large-scale reactor under typical high-flux operation are shown.