Engineering aspects and thermal performance of molten salt transfer lines in solar power applications

• DOI: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2019.03.091
• Publication Date: 2019-03-21T14:22:05Z
• Authors: A.M. Bonanos; M.C. Georgiou; K.G. Stokos; C.N. Papanicolas
• Keywords: Heat transfer fluid; Thermal transfer; Solar Power; Concentrated solar power

Concentrating solar thermal power coupled with energy storage is considered as one of the leading technologies to address decarbonization sector. The use molten salt (60–40% b.w. NaNO3-KNO3) heat transfer fluid and medium current commercial practice, alternative mixtures being under evaluation for next-generation higher-temperature systems. main drawback salts their high freezing temperature; active means are required preheating of- prevent from in- lines. In this article we present experiences PROTEAS facility, where heating tapes opposed cables used. losses lines evaluated compared those predicted by a one-dimensional analysis. Thermal between 43 100 W/m found at operating temperatures 300 500 °C. A joint optimization capital operational expenditure insulation performed, optimal thickness installed tracing capacity. Increasing capacity respect minimum overcome losses, leads reduction time and, therefore, in overall expenses system. some situations, was also lead necessary thickness. Simulations indicate that if used, decrease 10 15% O&M expenditures, respectively, could be achieved.