-- This project is inactive --

he University of Alabama, under the Thermal Storage FOA, is developing thermal energy storage (TES) media consisting of low melting point (LMP) molten salt with high TES density for sensible heat storage systems.

Approach

They will conduct detailed tests using a laboratory-scale TES system to:

  • Investigate the thermal performance of the TES
  • Determine the lifecycle of the LMP molten salt system
  • Gauge round-trip efficiency.

The research team is also conducting investigations of corrosion behavior and material selections for a laboratory-scale TES system, as well as studies of recyclability, environmental impact, and economic and cost analysis of the optimized LMP molten salt and TES system.

Innovation

Alabama's LMP molten salt is projected to have the following characteristics compared to current salts:

  • Lower melting point
  • Higher energy density
  • Lower power-generation cost

This program aims to develop a heat transfer fluid/storage medium capable of operating at temperatures >650°C, allowing for operation of higher conversion efficiency turbines. This has the potential to reduce the cost of TES to <$15/kWth and achieve round-trip efficiencies >93%.

Publications, Patents, and Awards

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