Design considerations for concentrating solar power tower systems employing molten salt.

Abstract

The Solar Two Project was a United States Department of Energy sponsored project operated from 1996 to 1999 to demonstrate the coupling of a solar power tower with a molten nitrate salt as a heat transfer media and for thermal storage. Over all, the Solar Two Project was very successful; however many operational challenges were encountered. In this work, the major problems encountered in operation of the Solar Two facility were evaluated and alternative technologies identified for use in a future solar power tower operating with a steam Rankine power cycle. Many of the major problems encountered can be addressed with new technologies that were not available a decade ago. These new technologies include better thermal insulation, analytical equipment, pumps and values specifically designed for molten nitrate salts, and gaskets resistant to thermal cycling and advanced equipment designs. 4 5

Dynamic simulation of integrated rock-bed thermocline storage for concentrated solar power

“…Radosevich and Wyman, 1983) and molten salt (565°C, cf. Moore et al, 2010), abundance and cost-effectiveness of the working fluid and simplicity of storage operation. No additional heat exchanger is required and chemical inertia of the system permits to choose economical construction materials.…”

Electro-Kinetic Pumping with Slip Irreversibility in Heat Exchange of CSP-Powered Bio-Digester Assemblies

“…There are different options for the design of heat exchanger for the transport of the heat of formation required for the thermo-chemical energy conversion in the bio-digester, including shell and tube, helical coil, and printed circuit heat exchangers [24]. Amongst these options, the printed circuit heat exchanger is preferred because of its application of microchannels.…”

Embedded Sensors and Controls to Improve Component Performance and Reliability Conceptual Design Report

“…Salt pumps have also been used in a number of material processing industries, including aluminum production, and are used with nitrate salts in solar thermal energy systems. 26 High-temperature pumps have been developed for both circulating salt and liquid-metal systems, with many common features between the two. Some small pumps, such as those used for in-reactor test loops, have been compact units driven by gas or hydraulic fluid.…”