This consortium of researchers based in Mauritius, South Africa, Nigeria and the UK is conducting research on phase-change heat transfer (boiling and condensation) with a view towards contributing to the development of next-generation direct-steam concentrated solar power systems.
With the pressing need for clean energy worldwide, and Africa in particular, the importance of any research addressing this challenge cannot be overstated. The fact that Africa has a massively underutilized solar resource makes our research on concentrated solar power much more relevant.
Variations in cloud cover, climate and solar irradiation influence the performance of solar power systems. The design for components that employ phase-change heat transfer, critical to solar power generation systems, needs to take this into account.
In this project phase-change heat transfer and pressure drop in smooth tubes is investigated to improve our understanding and allow more efficient and affordable solar systems.
To understand more about the research carried out in this consortium, read about the work of one of the PhD students from University of Mauritius, Diksha Juggurnath, who contributed to a case study produced for the UNESCO World Science Day for Peace and Development 2018.
Researchers from this consortium contributed to a case study for World Energy Day 2019.