Publications
Overview and design basis for the gen 3 particle pilot plant (G3P3)
This paper provides an overview of a next-generation particle-based concentrating solar power (CSP) system. The Gen 3 Particle Pilot Plant (G3P3) will heat particles to over 700 °C for use in high-temperature air or supercritical CO2 Brayton cycles with 6 hours of storage. The particles, which are inert, non-corrosive, durable, and inexpensive, are used as both the heat-transfer and storage media. Details of the operation, requirements, and design basis for the G3P3 system are presented, including a description of expected operational states and major components. Operational states include start-up, transients, steady-state operation, off-design conditions, and idling. The key components include the particle receiver, storage bins, heat exchanger, lift, and tower structure subsystems. Design bases and innovative features of each component are presented that will aid in achieving the desired cost and performance metrics.