EUBCE 2026 - Megan KIRSCHMEIER - Particle-Based Solar Receiver for Heating Solar-Driven Pyrolysis Reactor: Design and Preliminary Testing

Particle-Based Solar Receiver for Heating Solar-Driven Pyrolysis Reactor: Design and Preliminary Testing

Short Introductive summary

The thermochemical decomposition of biomass in an inert atmosphere via pyrolysis is a favorable approach for generating valuable bio-products (including, biochar, bio-oil, and syngas) while reducing waste. However, this process requires large thermal inputs, making the incorporation of renewable forms of process heat an intriguing option to improve system efficiencies. In the Horizon Europe Project PYSOLO, a decoupled solar-driven pyrolysis reactor is studied, employing a particle-based heat transfer medium to capture and deliver solar heat to the biomass feedstock. The solar receiver is a key aspect of this system and ensuring effective heat transfer to the particle heat carriers is essential for overall system success. This study focuses on the design and preliminary testing of a 15 kWt rotary kiln-based solar receiver tested in the High Flux Solar Simulator at the DLR-Cologne. Four types of particulate media are considered, including olivine, bauxite, sand, and biochar, and various receiver inclination angles and rotation speeds are considered to understand receiver performance.

M. Kirschmeier, German Aerospace Center, DLR, Cologne, GERMANY
J.P. Rincon Duarte, German Aerospace Center, DLR, Cologne, GERMANY
J. Eckstein, German Aerospace Center, DLR, Cologne, GERMANY
A. Lor, German Aerospace Center, DLR, Cologne, GERMANY
C. Lorreyte, German Aerospace Center, DLR, Cologne, GERMANY
G. Moumin, German Aerospace Center, DLR, Cologne, GERMANY
M. Roeb, German Aerospace Center, DLR, Cologne, GERMANY