Advanced High Temperature Instrumentation for Gen3 CSP Systems

With current movement toward a net-zero carbon economy, in addition to mandates to reduce the burdens of fossil fuel usage, Gen3 concentrating solar power systems are in a unique position to meet the cost and efficiency targets set forth for US energy generation needs. Sporian Microsystems has been approached by industry stakeholders with a need for ultra-high temperature operable instrumentation that would impact the performance and operation of Gen3 CSP systems, and enable more efficient and affordable energy production to achieve SETO and industry targets for viable broad-scale deployment. Sporian Microsystems has previously developed in-situ, real-time, high temperature sensors for aerospace and energy applications, including high-temperature pressure, flow, and chemical composition sensor systems. The primary objective of the proposed effort is to leverage Sporian’s prior work to realize a range of advanced high temperature instrumentation for solid particle systems for the Gen3 CSP pathway in alignment with Sandia National Laboratories’ needs. In Phase I, Sporian will work with industry stakeholders and Sandia National Laboratories personnel to define system requirements and evaluate hardware/electronics architectures to identify those potentially best suited to the application. Preliminary designs for integrated systems will be developed, including concepts to package the sensors and digital control interfaces for the intended application. Breadboard-level prototypes will then be used to demonstrate and validate key portions of the proposed concept and prepare for Phase II. The proposed technology will improve gen3 CSP test beds by providing an improved means of precisely monitoring fluid dynamics of solid particles, which is critical to studying their heat transfer properties. In the long term, the technology will improve condition monitoring and controls in plants by providing information on heat transfer and flow conditions in real time, enabling plants to run more efficiently and reliably to meet cost targets and meet adoption thresholds. These solid-particle technologies have benefits over other heat transfer fluids in cost, safety, and reduced complexity.