Performance Benefits of the Direct Generation of Steam in Line-Focus Solar Collectors

The performance benefits of the direct (in situ) generation of steam in the receiver tube of a line-focus solar collector are assessed in this paper. Compared to existing technology using steam-flash or unfired boiler systems, the in situ technique could reduce the delivered cost of steam in excess of 25 percent. The analysis indicates that two-phase flow instabilities, if present, can be readily controlled, and that the possibility of freezing is not an impediment to the use of water in cold climates.