Modular object-oriented methodology for the resolution of molten salt storage tanks for CSP plants

Two-tank molten salt storages are the most widespread thermal energy storage technology within concentrated solar power plants. In spite of this, there are design aspects such as thermal losses control, optimisation of the storage or how these devices scale up with the increase in power capacity of...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Rodríguez Pérez, Ivette María|||0000-0002-3749-277X, Pérez Segarra, Carlos David|||0000-0003-1007-3142, Lehmkuhl Barba, Oriol|||0000-0002-2670-1871, Oliva Llena, Asensio|||0000-0002-2805-4794
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Fecha de publicación:2013
País:España
Institución:Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC)
Repositorio:UPCommons. Portal del coneixement obert de la UPC
Idioma:inglés
OAI Identifier:oai:upcommons.upc.edu:2117/19718
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/2117/19718
https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2012.11.008
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Solar energy
CFD&HT
Molten salt tanks
Numerical modelling
Multi-physics model
TES
Energia solar -- Aparells i accessoris
Àrees temàtiques de la UPC::Energies::Energia solar tèrmica
Descripción
Sumario:Two-tank molten salt storages are the most widespread thermal energy storage technology within concentrated solar power plants. In spite of this, there are design aspects such as thermal losses control, optimisation of the storage or how these devices scale up with the increase in power capacity of the plant which still should be considered. In this sense, numerical modelling of these systems can be a powerful tool for reducing their cost. The present work aims at modelling molten salt tanks by proposing a parallel modular object-oriented methodology which considers the different elements of the storage (e.g. tank walls, insulation material, tank foundation, molten salt storage media, etc.) as independent systems. Each of these elements can be solved independently and using different levels of modelling (from global to fully three-dimensional models), while at the same time they are linked to each other through their boundary conditions. The mathematical models used, together with some illustrative examples of the application of the proposed methodology, are presented and discussed in detail.