Research and application of molten salts for sensible heat storage

Abstract

Mixed molten salts are considered as promising media for both heat transfer and thermal energy storage because of several advantages including wide applicable temperature range, low viscosity, good fluidity, low vapor pressure, relatively high density and heat capacity and low cost,This paper outlines the principle of the use of molten salts as sensible heat storage materials and provide a review of the state-of-the-art development the materials. Particular attention is drawn on the type and characteristic of commonly molten salt, technical principle, development status of key technologies such as molten salt heat storage medium and equipment and application in solar thermal power generation and intermittent of waste heat utilization. It is concluded that preparing and researching thermal or flowing properties high temperature molten salt, perfevting the molten salt heat storage system, improving heat storage efficiency, weakening corrosivity and improving the system reliability are among the important aspects for future research.