CFD-based performance evaluation of TPMS architectures for next-generation solar receivers in concentrated solar power systems
Moza ALTENEIJI, Saeed ALNUAIMI
Abstract. The operation of central tower-based concentrated solar power (CSP) plants is highly influenced by the behavior of the solar receiver, which constitutes the component heated under concentration from direct sunlight and is responsible for heating a heat transfer fluid (HTF). This work aims to investigate the potential application of TPMS porosity, including Gyroid Sheet, Gyroid Solid, and Diamond Solid networks, in enhancing the performance of solar receivers. The interaction between solar illumination, TPMS shapes, and water as an HTF was simulated in the Reynolds number range from 1100 up to 22500 using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling with ANSYS Fluent. Conversely, the Gyroid Sheet structure, which has a higher associated pressure drop, has yielded a higher heat transfer improvement, whereas the Diamond Solid performed better at low Reynolds numbers. Velocity and temperature contour plots revealed distinct flow redistributions corresponding to the geometry. The data display the sacrifice of heat transfer enhancement compared to the pumping power consumption, and that TPMS-based receivers can enhance the thermo-hydraulic efficiency of CSP systems.
Keywords
Heat Transfer, CFD, Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (TPMS), Solar Receivers
Published online 6/20/2026, 11 pages
Copyright © 2026 by the author(s)
Published under license by Materials Research Forum LLC., Millersville PA, USA
Citation: Moza ALTENEIJI, Saeed ALNUAIMI, CFD-based performance evaluation of TPMS architectures for next-generation solar receivers in concentrated solar power systems, Materials Research Proceedings, Vol. 67, pp 313-323, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644904176-43
The article was published as article 43 of the book Climate Action and Sustainability
Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.
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