Molten Salts Tanks Thermal Energy Storage: Aspects to Consider during Design

Concentrating solar power plants use sensible thermal energy storage, a mature technology based on molten salts, due to the high storage efficiency (up to 99%). Both parabolic trough collectors and the central receiver system for concentrating solar power technologies use molten salts tanks, either...

Descripción completa

Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Prieto Ríos, Cristina, Blindu, Adrián, Cabeza, Luisa F., Valverde García, Juan Sebastián, García Rivero, Guillermo
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2023
País:España
Institución:Universidad de Sevilla (US)
Repositorio:idUS. Depósito de Investigación de la Universidad de Sevilla
OAI Identifier:oai:idus.us.es:11441/154167
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/11441/154167
https://doi.org/10.3390/en17010022
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Concentrating solar power (CSP)
Thermal energy storage (TES)
Molten salt tanks
Challenges
Design
Failures
Modelling
Descripción
Sumario:Concentrating solar power plants use sensible thermal energy storage, a mature technology based on molten salts, due to the high storage efficiency (up to 99%). Both parabolic trough collectors and the central receiver system for concentrating solar power technologies use molten salts tanks, either in direct storage systems or in indirect ones. But even though this is a mature technology, it still shows challenges in its implementation and operation. This paper underscores the critical importance of stringent design criteria for molten salt tanks in thermal storage technology. Focusing on the potential ramifications of design failures, the study explores various dimensions where an inadequate design can lead to severe consequences, even jeopardizing the viability of the entire technology. Key areas discussed include structural integrity, corrosion, thermal shock, thermal expansions, and others. By elucidating the multifaceted risks associated with design shortcomings, this paper aims to emphasize the necessity of thorough reviews and adherence to robust design principles for ensuring the success, safety, and sustainability of thermal storage technology.