Typical applications for molten salt energy storage primarily revolve around the energy sector, particularly in storing thermal energy for later use. Key applications include:
- Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) Plants: Molten salt energy storage is widely used commercially to store heat collected by concentrated solar power systems such as solar towers or solar troughs. The molten salt is heated by solar energy during the day and stored in insulated tanks at high temperatures. When electricity demand arises (including at night), the stored heat is used to produce superheated steam that drives conventional steam turbines to generate electricity. This approach allows the plant to deliver power on demand and improves overall efficiency by enabling energy storage and dispatchability. The technology was demonstrated in projects like Solar Two, and typical operating temperatures can reach around 566 °C with storage durations of up to a week with proper insulation.
- Long-Duration Energy Storage for Grid Stability: Molten salt systems can provide long-duration thermal energy storage solutions that improve integration of intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar. By storing excess renewable energy in the form of heat, these systems help balance supply and demand mismatches, increase utilization of renewable generation, and provide flexible power output for up to 24 hours or more. Some systems also incorporate auxiliary fuel heaters to maintain temperature and continuous power supply when renewables are insufficient.
- Industrial Steam Supply and High-Temperature Processes: Beyond electricity generation, molten salt storage can be directly used in industrial applications requiring high-temperature steam or heat. This includes industrial steam supply for manufacturing processes and other high-temperature processes such as hydrogen production and coal-to-liquid fuel conversion. The stable high-temperature heat source provided by molten salt enables improved energy utilization in these sectors.
- Heat Transport and Storage in Chemical and Metals Industries: Experience with molten salts as heat-transport fluids exists outside of solar energy, particularly in chemical and metal processing industries, due to their excellent thermal conductivity and stability at high temperatures.
In summary, molten salt energy storage is predominantly applied in concentrated solar power plants for electricity generation with thermal storage, long-duration energy storage to enhance renewable energy integration, and various industrial applications requiring high-temperature heat or steam supply. Its combination of high operating temperature, thermal stability, and scalability makes it a versatile solution across power generation and industrial heat sectors.
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