Facilites at the Renewable Thermal Lab
Ultra High-Flux Photon Generator Facility
This facility houses Canada’s largest ultra high-flux photon generator, also referred to as an ultra high-flux solar simulator. The custom-designed 26 kW system features four independently controlled radiative modules capable of producing heat fluxes from 20 kW/m² to 2000 kW/m² and temperatures above 3500°C. The facility integrates controllable power supplies, a hydraulic positioning system, and a custom flux characterization setup with Gardon heat flux sensors and monochromatic imaging systems for accurate radiative flux measurements. Acting as a low-hazard surrogate radiation source, the facility supports research on radiation–matter interactions, nuclear thermal hydraulics, thermal energy storage, concentrated solar thermal systems, water splitting for H2 generation, and sustainable aviation fuel production. The platform also enables extreme-irradiation material testing for aerospace heat shields, nuclear reactor components, and high-temperature sensors under intense irradiation conditions.
High-Temperature Molten Salt Test Loop Facility
This facility is a compact custom-designed molten salt test loop developed for research in high-temperature thermal energy storage and nuclear energy systems. The platform incorporates embedded heat exchangers, molten salt storage tanks, and dual charging modes using independently controlled electric heaters and embedded heat exchangers to replicate variable renewable electricity inputs alongside direct thermal inputs representative of data centers waste heat and microreactor-based systems. The entire system is integrated within a dedicated fume hood, enabling controlled high-temperature experimentation and safe measurements under extreme operating conditions. The facility integrates high-resolution thermofluid diagnostics, synchronized data acquisition systems, power monitoring, and flow measurement instrumentation for advanced molten salt experimentation. Research capabilities include evaluation of molten salt mixtures, compact heat exchanger performance, thermal cycling, and corrosion and stress testing of components for thermal energy storage, aircraft engines, and small modular reactors operating under extreme temperature conditions.
High-Temperature Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) Facility
This facility is a dedicated high-temperature particle image velocimetry (PIV) platform designed to investigate thermofluid behavior under extreme thermal environments and radiative heat fluxes exceeding temperatures of 1500°C. The setup enables high-resolution flow visualization and velocity measurements in molten salts, high-temperature gases, natural convection systems, and radiation-driven flow environments. The facility integrates custom-designed quartz and sapphire test sections, synchronized UV and visible laser illumination, high-speed imaging systems, and advanced optical diagnostics for flow field characterization under challenging operating conditions. Applications include nuclear thermal hydraulics, concentrated solar thermal receivers, thermal energy storage systems, and advanced heat transfer investigations.