ABSTRACT
Moving towards more efficient power cycles, which are thermodynamically connected to greater operating temperatures or novel working fluids, is viewed as the next stage in concentrating solar power (CSP) research to increase CSP competitiveness. In this context, a new idea based on using dense particle suspension (DPS) as heat transfer fluid (HTF) and thermal energy storage (TES) for CSP plants gives an unprecedented degree of flexibility for highly efficient power plant design. The use of DPS as HTF does not limit the operating temperatures of solar plants since neither freezing nor particle degradation occurs; also, it is a cheap and plentiful material with no hazardous implications. Based on the aforementioned benefits, there has recently been an increase in interest in using particles for solar receivers and CSP applications, which will contribute to deploying a new generation of CSP plants. Several publicly financed programs researching particle-based solar power plants have fueled this enthusiasm. One of the primary advantages of employing particles for CSP applications is the TES system, which has no temperature limits and is easy to handle and carry. As a result of these considerations, numerous researchers are suggesting the usage of particle-based TES systems in CSP facilities. This chapter introduces selection criteria and recent developments in particle thermal energy storage for CSP application.
