Solar Thermal Driven High Temperature Heat Exchanger Technologies: A Review with Insights from High Pressure Gas Cooling Applications

Abstract

Solar thermal energy systems, particularly concentrated solar power (CSP) technologies, operate at high temperatures and often involve highpressure gaseous working fluids. Efficient thermal energy transfer under such extreme conditions is essential for improving system efficiency, compactness, and operational reliability. However, conventional heat exchanger designs frequently face limitations related to low gasside heat transfer coefficients, excessive pressure drop, and material degradation at elevated temperatures.

This review presents a comprehensive assessment of advanced heat exchanger technologies developed for hightemperature and highpressure gas applications in solar thermal systems. Emphasis is placed on augmented and membrane-based heat exchanger configurations, including helical coils, serpentine tubes, and extendedsurface designs, which have shown strong potential for enhancing heat transfer performance. Design evolution, heat transfer mechanisms, numerical and experimental investigations, and material considerations are critically discussed. In addition, insights from highpressure gas cooling applications in industrial and underground energy systems are used to highlight transferable design concepts for solar thermal technologies. Key research gaps and future directions are identified to support the development of efficient, reliable, and scalable heat exchanger solutions for nextgeneration solar thermal power plants.