What does it take to design a high pressure solar boiler

In summary: It is best to read reviews and compare the contents of each book before making a decision. In summary, the conversation discusses designing a high pressure solar central tower boiler/receiver and the necessary subjects and software to learn in order to do so. The suggested topics include heat and mass transfer, fluid mechanics, thermal stress, and heat exchanger design, as well as software such as FEHT, EES, and FlowLab/Fluent. The conversation also mentions the availability of a student version of FlowLab and the
  • #1
Rohan2008
4
0
Hi everyone,

I intend to design a high pressure solar central tower boiler/receiver that can output super heated steam. The idea here is that the solar receiver receives about 800Kw of solar radiation and uses it boil water (36C) to about 590C/150bar.

My educational background is not mechanical engineering and so I decided to study the appropriate subjects and acquire the required skills. Based on what I understand about boiler design, I feel that I need to learn the following subjects:

Topics:
1. Fundamentals of Heat and Mass Transfer (incropera)

2. Fluid mechanics (Munson, young)

3. Thermal stress
(https://www.amazon.com/dp/1560329718/?tag=pfamazon01-20)

4. Boilers, Evaporators, and Condensers
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0471621706/?tag=pfamazon01-20
or
Heat Exchangers: Selection, Rating, and Thermal Design, Second Edition
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0849309026/?tag=pfamazon01-20
or
Pressure vessel design
https://www.amazon.com/dp/3540491422/?tag=pfamazon01-20
or
Process Heat Transfer: Principles and Applications
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0123735882/?tag=pfamazon01-20

Modeling Software:
a. FEHT
b. EES
c. FlowLab/Fluent


Questions:
i. Is this list complete? Am I missing something?

ii. Is there any other software that I should focus on?

iii. Any short cuts (I doubt if there are any)?

iv. A student version of flowlab seems be available if we purchase “Fundamentals Fluid-Mechanics-Bruce-Munson”. Does this give me a good start with flowlab & fluent or should I simply purchase a student copy of fluent & flowlab and go from there?

v. Whats the best book for point 4?

Any advice is highly appreciated.

Thanks
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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  • #2
i: Psychrometrics and thermodynamics possibly?
ii: not sure on any software
iii: no
 

1. What is a high pressure solar boiler?

A high pressure solar boiler is a type of boiler that uses the sun's energy to generate steam at high pressures. This steam can then be used to power turbines and generate electricity.

2. What are the key components of a high pressure solar boiler?

The key components of a high pressure solar boiler include a solar collector, a heat exchanger, a steam drum, and a turbine. The solar collector absorbs the sun's energy and transfers it to the heat exchanger, which then heats up water to create steam. The steam is then sent to the steam drum, where it is further heated and pressurized before being sent to the turbine.

3. What are the benefits of using a high pressure solar boiler?

There are several benefits to using a high pressure solar boiler. First, it is a renewable and sustainable source of energy, as it relies on the sun's energy. Additionally, it produces clean and emission-free energy, making it environmentally friendly. It also has lower operating costs compared to traditional boilers, as it does not require fuel to generate steam.

4. What challenges are involved in designing a high pressure solar boiler?

Designing a high pressure solar boiler can be challenging due to the high pressures and temperatures involved. This requires durable and corrosion-resistant materials to be used, which can be costly. The design must also consider the varying intensity of solar radiation and fluctuations in weather conditions. Proper insulation and control systems must also be in place to ensure efficient operation.

5. How does a high pressure solar boiler compare to other types of boilers?

Compared to traditional fossil fuel boilers, a high pressure solar boiler has the advantage of being a renewable and sustainable source of energy. It also produces clean energy and has lower operating costs. However, it may have higher upfront costs and may not be suitable for all climates. It also has lower efficiency compared to other types of boilers, such as gas or coal-fired boilers.

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