Integrated Thermal Storage for Concentrating Solar Power (2008)
This report was compiled by Ray Dracker of Solar Millennium LLC and Klaus-Jergen Riffelmann of Flagsol for California’s Integrated Energy Policy Workshop in July of 2008.
The presentation focuses on the different types of solar energy storage and how they can improve solar plants. Because of the unpredictable nature of the amount of solar radiation available for solar power plants, storage is a necessary tool in ensuring the reliability and cost-effectiveness of solar energy.
Single phase liquid storage, phase change material storage, and concrete mass storage are the main options for solar energy storage. Molten salt and cement are the two most common forms of storage media. Molten salt is characterized as the better option of the two because it is a proven material in the process industry, has a high specific heat threshold relative to the cost, and is environmentally safe. Cement storage has the potential for very low cost, but its use in these technologies is still unproven.
Plants that use these materials in their integrated storage structures enhance their contribution to the utility grid in a few ways. There is more capacity for even distribution during peak demand periods. Also, storage systems can provide reliability during poor weather conditions.
- Awareness Raising
- California's Integrated Energy Policy Workshop
- cement storage
- Heat Storage
- Klaus-Jergen Riffelmann
- molten salt
- Solar Millennium LLC
- Solar Thermal Power
- Standards
- USA
Solar-Coupled_Thermal_Storage-Dracker.pdf (72 downloads | 1.52 MB)
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