Solar Expanding-Vortex Particle Receiver-Reactor (SEVR)

Patented reactor to increase conversion efficiency

At CET, we’re working to make solar technology as efficient as possible and we look at all aspects of a system to make sure we’re getting the best out of them. When it comes to concentrated solar thermal (CST) systems, tubular receivers are commonly used but directly-irradiated particle receivers have the potential to attain higher efficiency and higher temperatures. Of all the particle receivers-reactors proposed to date, the solar expanding vortex reactor (SEVR) has been found to be one of the most promising.

Our SEVR addresses the key challenges associated with SVR systems:

  • uneven particle heating and energy destruction
  • particles depositing on the receiver-reactor window.

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  • About the SEVR

    CET’s solar expanding-vortex particle receiver-reactor:

    • reduces particle deposition rate by more than 10 times compared to previous designs
    • generates a well-established vortex flow pattern within the cavity
    • reduces swirl intensity at the aperture plane by up to 10 times
    • preferentially recirculates larger particles within the chamber relative to smaller particles
    • can achieve prolonged particle residence times when compares to state-of-the-art SEVR technology
    • has a large calculated thermal efficiency (> 85%: defined as the ratio of useful heat absorbed and the power input), depending on the particle size.

  • People

  • Applications
    SEVR technology can be used in solar gasification of biomass, mineral processing (e.g. alumina and/or magnesia production) and thermal storage.

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