SUNFLOWER

Advanced absorber materials for high-temperature CSP receivers

About SUNFLOWER

SUNFLOWER develops highly efficient absorber structures for open volumetric receivers in concentrated solar power plants. The project improves absorber design, material composition and fabrication techniques for high-temperature operation, with the aim of raising solar-to-electric conversion efficiency while lowering environmental impact. It is connected to the Clean Energy Transition Partnership and co-funded by the European Union and national funding agencies.

Duration

November 2023 – February 2027

The challenge

The performance of open volumetric air receivers depends on the interplay between materials, structural design and fabrication. Better absorber structures mean higher solar-to-electric efficiency and lower environmental impact.

Our role

Aalborg CSP is responsible for the design and evaluation of the innovative receiver structures, based on techno-economic analysis and concept development for upscaling and commercialisation. 

Aalborg CSP leads WP3, which models optimal solar absorber structures for improved thermal efficiency across two design concepts: static absorbers and innovative rotary absorbers. The work includes designing FeCrAl and SiC-based receiver structures and conducting techno-economic analyses for upscaling. 

In WP6, Aalborg CSP has developed a framework for the economic, environmental and social assessment process, used by all partners to ensure both intended and unintended effects of the development are considered. Aalborg CSP also contributes to W7 and W8.
 

For more information visit: sunflower-project.eu