Abstract
Molten salt (MS) storage systems in the 565°C range can store green solar energy from thermal solar power station, such as the Crescent Dunes solar plant in Nevada. Large containers can be used to store energy and generate electricity for eight hours or more to be used at night or during peak demand hours, depending on the container size. Energy storage can reduce the fluctuation due to weather conditions experienced at thermal solar power stations because stable diurnal energy supply is made available by MS energy storage. Supported by the Office of Naval Research (ONR), the research presented discusses the considerations for designing molten salt storage tanks. An alternate molten salt storage cylindrical tank design layout is presented, including an improved roof design concept. A preliminary heat transfer analysis is presented and discussed for the alternate cylindrical tank design. This preliminary analysis was used to determine the thickness of insulating material in and around the cylindrical tank to reduce heat flux. These insulating materials include the use of firebrick and ceramic insulation to complement the structural carbon steel and the stainless steel that is used for corrosion resistance. This paper also introduces the alternate designs of a semi-buried spherical tank and drop shell tank that can be used storing molten salts.
Highlights
Molten solar salts are known for their capacities for heat storage, which can be effective for storing excess energy
This paper introduces the alternate designs of a semiburied spherical tank and drop shell tank that can be used storing molten salts
1 INTRODUCTION Molten solar salts are known for their capacities for heat storage, which can be effective for storing excess energy
Summary
Molten solar salts are known for their capacities for heat storage, which can be effective for storing excess energy. Large insulted tanks are used to provide a closed system to contain these salts for future use. This paper highlights the layout of an optimal tank design. An alternative shell design based on this information is presented along with a preliminary heat transfer analysis, which is used to size insulating materials
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