J. Wei
SRI International,
United States
Keywords: ceramic matrix composite, concentrated solar power, molten chloride salt
Summary:
Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) are known for their exceptional thermomechanical strength and superior corrosion resistance, offering great potential for high-temperature energy harvesting applications such as concentrated solar power (CSP) systems. However, the widespread adoption of traditional CMCs has been hindered by their high cost (>$1,000/kg), largely driven by the time-consuming and labor-intensive ceramic infiltration process, which accounts for more than half of total manufacturing expenses. To address this challenge, SRI has developed a scalable, infiltration-free fabrication method that eliminates the costly infiltration step while retaining the key performance advantages of CMCs. This presentation will introduce an environmental-barrier-coated carbon fiber–reinforced carbon matrix composite made by this method, demonstrating how this novel material architecture enhances the efficiency and durability of molten chloride salt–based solar receivers. The results highlight significant improvements in thermomechanical performance, corrosion resistance, and manufacturability, paving the way for cost-effective CMC solutions in next-generation thermal energy systems.