Thermal experimental study of a volumetric receiver-reactor using a Mini-Solar furnace

[Display omitted] •A reactor-receiver was evaluated to produce high-temperature air.•The reactor-receiver design allows for interchangeability of the receiver.•18 SiC receiver with different pores per inch were evaluated.•The global efficiencies were compared with other reported technologies.•Mini-Solar Furnace is used to produce concentrated solar power. This paper presents an experimental assessment of a reactor-receiver system that enables easy substitution of different receivers. The study evaluates two receivers with difference PPI sizes under various operating conditions that can withstand the use of high-temperature HTF. Environmental air was employed as the heat transfer fluid. SiC receiver with 10 and 20 PPI were tested individually, and then the heat transfer fluid. SiC receivers with 10 and 20 PPI were tested individually, and then the heat transfer surface was increased by placing an additional receiver behind (1010 and 2020 PPI). Additionally, combinations of PPI sizes were tested, such as 1020 PPI and 2010 PPI, to explore the potential effect of the orders. The authors calculated the thermal efficiency through calorimetry and compared it with similar solar concentration technologies detailed in existing literature. The results revealed that the highest temperature was achieved with the 20 PPI receiver (655 °C) compared to the other studied cases. It is established that losses are generated in the receiver due to convection and radiation, and the paper provides recommendations to improve the energy conversion efficiency.