200 kW_th open volumetric air Receiver (HiTRec) of DLR reached 1000 °C average outlet temperature at PSA

Abstract
Based on 15 years R&D work in the field of open volumetric air receivers, DLR in Köln designed and assembled an innovative 200 kW_th modular volumetric air receiver called High-Temperature Receiver (HiTRec). The system is assembled of 37 hexagonal shaped ceramic absorber modules. It is able to hold modules of different absorber materials next to each other. The receiver has an air cooled stainless steal support 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 improve the air return ratio. The receiver was successfully tested at PSA in 1998 and reached a maximum average outlet temperature of 980°C at a thermal efficiency of 68%. At the same time the receiver showed a stable flow through the absorber modules, short startup times and easy operability.