Yes, molten salt energy storage (MSES) can be integrated with existing power plants, offering a flexible and economical solution for long-duration energy storage that enhances power generation capabilities.
Integration with Existing Power Plants
- Retrofitting Conventional Plants: Molten salt storage systems can be retrofitted into conventional power plants. This includes adding electric heaters or heat pumps to existing infrastructure, enabling thermal energy storage and management to improve operational flexibility and efficiency.
- Thermal Energy Storage for Continuous Operation: In integrated systems, molten salt is heated (e.g., to around 565 °C) and stored in insulated tanks. When electricity is needed, the stored heat generates steam to drive turbines, allowing plants to deliver electricity continuously for extended periods (up to 24 hours or more).
- Use with Renewable and Fossil Fuel Plants: Although commonly paired with concentrating solar power plants, molten salt systems are also applicable in coal-fired power plant conversions. This approach can transform traditional fossil fuel plants into renewable energy hubs by utilizing molten salt thermal energy storage to manage energy supply and demand flexibly.
Benefits of Integration
- Grid Stability and Zero-Carbon Goals: Incorporating molten salt storage into existing plants supports grid stability by smoothing out fluctuations in generation, particularly from renewable sources. This integration aids in transitioning to zero-carbon energy generation while maintaining reliable power supply.
- Economic Advantages: By storing energy when generation exceeds demand and releasing it during peak times, molten salt storage enables economic profit through load shifting and better asset utilization.
- Multiple Energy Outputs: Besides electricity generation, integrated molten salt systems can supply superheated steam, hot water, and district heating/cooling, enhancing the overall utility of the power plant.
In summary, molten salt energy storage systems are highly compatible with existing power plant infrastructure, whether conventional or renewable-based, and provide operational flexibility, extended power supply durations, and environmental benefits through long-term thermal energy storage and dispatch.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/can-molten-salt-energy-storage-be-integrated-with-existing-power-plants/
