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Molten Salts for Sensible Thermal Energy Storage: A Review and an Energy Performance Analysis

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  • Adrián Caraballo

    (Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, ETSII, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), 28006 Madrid, Spain
    Department of Ceramics, Institute of Ceramics and Glass, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 28049 Madrid, Spain)

  • Santos Galán-Casado

    (Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, ETSII, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), 28006 Madrid, Spain)

  • Ángel Caballero

    (Department of Ceramics, Institute of Ceramics and Glass, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 28049 Madrid, Spain)

  • Sara Serena

    (Department of Ceramics, Institute of Ceramics and Glass, Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), 28049 Madrid, Spain)

Abstract

A comprehensive review of different thermal energy storage materials for concentrated solar power has been conducted. Fifteen candidates were selected due to their nature, thermophysical properties, and economic impact. Three key energy performance indicators were defined in order to evaluate the performance of the different molten salts, using Solar Salt as a reference for low and high temperatures. The analysis provided evidence that nitrate-based materials are the best choice for the former and chloride-based materials are best for the latter instead of fluoride and carbonate-based candidates, mainly due to their low cost.

Suggested Citation

  • Adrián Caraballo & Santos Galán-Casado & Ángel Caballero & Sara Serena, 2021. "Molten Salts for Sensible Thermal Energy Storage: A Review and an Energy Performance Analysis," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(4), pages 1-15, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:4:p:1197-:d:504221
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