Characterization of an Induction Heating System Used as Solar Simulator
Analysis of Thermal Performance, Experimental Challenges, and Enhancements
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.52825/solarpaces.v2i.758Keywords:
Concentrated Solar Power, Solar Receiver Tubes, Induction HeatingAbstract
This report delves into the thermal behaviour of solar receiver tubes under induction heating, a key component in concentrated solar power (CSP) technology. Experimental investigations were conducted to understand the temperature distribution and challenges associated with induction heating. A stainless-steel tube was heated using an inductor and subjected to airflow. Initial tests revealed temperature deviations caused by the electromagnetic field and thermocouple interference. Adjustments were made in subsequent trials, including thermocouple repositioning, extended heating times, and consistent camera calibration. Additional experiments explored the effects of inserting iron plates in between the tube and the inductor coil. Results showcased varying temperature profiles for different configurations. In all the cases analysed, there is penetration of the magnetic field within the thickness of the tube walls, simplified as volumetric heat generation. Overall, these findings enhance our comprehension of induction heating dynamics to test CSP components in a small-laboratory scale that would potentially offer insights for system optimization.
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Copyright (c) 2024 Rand Khrishi, Marta Laporte Azcué, María de los Reyes Rodriguez Sanchez
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Accepted 2024-04-16
Published 2024-08-28
