Welding Development for Thin-Walled Solar Receiver Panels

Abstract

This paper presents the results of the work done in a project to develop the basic fabrication methods for the continuous longitudinal welding of thin-walled tubes to form flat panels for a solar receiver and for attachment of support lugs to the panels. The paper describes the stress analysis and welding development that were performed to resolve critical design and fabrication uncertainties. The work was performed in sufficient detail to develop a reliable and cost-effective thin-walled absorber panel for a commercial solar central receiver plant.