METHOD TO CONSTRUCT AND SUPPORT TUBE MODULE ASSEMBLIES FOR SOLID PARTICLE SOLAR RECEIVER

摘要

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. Thermal expansion provides a seal between adjoining modules at the front face and seal strips provide a seal at the back face.