A case study of the feasibility of using solar concentrating technologies for manufacturing ceramics

摘要: Abstract The goal of this case study is to determine for the first time feasibility using concentrated solar radiation as source thermal energy various high-temperature processes involved in manufacturing construction ceramics. A specific test device, consisting a ‘volumetric-type’ receiver and treatment chamber, has been designed built purpose. This installed operated 60 kWth furnace at R&D Center ‘Plataforma Solar de Almeria’. methodology followed consisted testing device lowest temperature cycles go then higher ones successively. It concluded that maximum needed such ‘drying raw materials’, ‘third-firing’ or ‘double-firing’ achievable with technology (up 1050 °C). Further development turned out be necessary meet requirements higher-temperature like ‘single-firing’ one (1150 °C) improve other aspects heating cooling rates uniformity over sample, well. project studies transfer between non-conventional, high-quality (concentrated radiation), fluid solid matter piece search very optical mechanical properties which confer it commercial value. Though was considered some ago production so-called ‘solar fuels’ (hydrogen, pure metals, etc.), explores integration into existing ceramics industrial process.