Research: Theoretical Studies

Reactor Modelling
A two-dimensional pseudo-homogeneous theoretical reactor model is used to predict exit reactant compositions for various reactors and reaction parameters.

Dish Characterisation
The most fundamental attribute of a solar concentrator is the nature of the focal region flux distribution. In developing solar concentrators it is desirable to have techniques that can predict the expected nature of such distributions and measure the actual distributions obtained.

System Modelling
There are many components of solar thermal systems with time constants of minutes or even hours. Thus successful prediction of overall performance in an environment of constantly changing insolation levels requires dynamic modelling. This is done by developing simplified physical models of individual system components (such as receivers), which can then be joined together in a modular fashion to build an overall system model.

Work is in progress to develop a dynamic model for the performance assessment of complete, ammonia-based solar thermochemical power plants using TRNSYS.

Control Strategies
Process control of a solar ammonia power plant comprises conventional temperature control to operate both reactors and pressure control to manage the storage part of the system. Temperature control is best achieved via variation of mass flow.

Heat Exchangers
A data collection of thermodynamic properties of hydrogen/nitrogen/ammonia mixtures was established and used in a modelling program for tube in tube heat exchangers.

Economic Analysis
A dish-based 10 MW_e demonstration solar power plant for base-load operation was designed, performance modelled and assessed to cost about AUD 180 million, which would enable the plant owner to sell electricity profitably at about AUD 0.25 per kWh_e.

Information is available about the Experimental Research Projects and the Research Facilities (with pictures) or return to the main Research page.