Design of second generation hybrid sodium heat pipe receivers for dish/Stirling systems

Abstract
Based on the experience with the first generation hybrid heat pipe receiver two equal heat pipe receivers have been developed, including a new combustion system. The new receiver has been designed for the reworked SBP/LCS 10-kWel dish/Stirling system with the SOLO-161 Stirling engine. Boundary conditions for the receiver have changed quite a bit from the dish and engine side as well as the combustion system side. Currently two hybrid heat pipe receivers are being built. After preliminary tests in the lab, the receivers will be tested for a 9 months period starting 1998 on the Plataforma Solar de Almeria by the Spanish project partner CIEMAT. Construction and assembly of the first hybrid heat pipe receiver is finished in June 1998.