Hybrid sodium heat pipe receivers for dish/Stirling systems

Abstract

The design of a hybrid solar/gas heat pipe receiver for the SBP 9 kW dish/Stirling system using a United Stirling AB V160 Stirling engine and the results of on-Sun testing in alternative and parallel mode is reported. The receiver is designed to transfer a thermal power of 35 kW. The heat pipe operates at around 800/spl deg/C, working fluid is sodium. Operational options are solar-only, gas augmented and gas-only mode. Also the design of a second generation hybrid heat pipe receiver currently developed under a EU-funded project, based on the experience gained with the first hybrid receiver, is reported. This receiver is designed for the improved SPB/L. & C.-10 kW dish/Stirling system with the reworked SOLO V161 Stirling engine.