Current CSP systems utilize molten salt as both the HTF and the thermal energy storage medium.The chemical stability of the salts puts an upper limit on the working temperature of 565 °C, limiting the efficiency of heat-to-electricity conversion to about 42 %.
Solid particles can overcome current working temperature limits, since the particle media can be stable for temperatures close to 1000°C. Such fluidized crystal particles in place of molten salt can be used both as heat transfer fluid and storage medium and can boost the operating temperature up to 750 °C, thus increasing CSP plant efficiency.
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Innovation sector01-09-2020
Source: Next-CSP
Core sciences & engineering
Corporate researcher
Solution provider
Solar energy
01-12-2015
Source: NREL
Core sciences & engineering
University researcher
Corporate researcher
Startup or entrepreneur
Solution provider
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Source: European Commission
Core sciences & engineering
University researcher
Corporate researcher
Solar energy
01-12-2019
Source: Sandia National Laboratories
Core sciences & engineering
University researcher
Corporate researcher
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Sustainable materials
Core sciences & engineering
University researcher
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