200 kW(th) open volumetric air Receiver (HiTRec) of DLR reached 1000 degrees C average outlet temperature at PSA

Based on 15 years R&D work in the field of open volumetric air receivers, D LR in Koln designed and assembled an innovative 200 kW(th) modular volumetr ic air receiver called <(Hi)under bar>gh-(T) under bar emperature <(Rec)und er bar>eiver (HiTRec). The system is assembled of 37 hexagonal shaped ceram ic absorber modules. It is able to hold modules of different absorber mater ials next to each other. The receiver has an air cooled stainless steal sup port structure. The cooling air flow is returned to the receiver front side and partly sucked into the receiver again. This option can be used to impr ove the air return ratio. The receiver was successfully tested at PSA in 19 98 and reached a maximum average outlet temperature of 980 degrees C at a t hermal efficiency of 68%. At the same time the receiver showed a stable flo w through the absorber modules, short startup times and easy operability.