3 - Using molten salts and other liquid sensible storage media in thermal energy storage (TES) systems

• Published in: Advances in Thermal Energy Storage Systems pp. 49 - 63
• Main Authors: Ushak, S., Fernández, A.G., Grageda, M.
• Format: Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 2015
• Subjects: Direct and indirect two-tank storage; Liquid metal and alloy heat storage materials; Liquid sensible storage media; Low-melting point mixtures; Molten nitrate/nitrite solar salts; Liquid sensible storage media; Low-melting point mixtures; Liquid metal and alloy heat storage materials; Molten nitrate/nitrite solar salts; Direct and indirect two-tank storage
• ISBN: 9781782420880; 1782420967; 1782420886; 9781782420965
• DOI: 10.1533/9781782420965.1.49

This chapter describes the principles of heat storage systems, with emphasis on sensible storage media on an industrial scale. This chapter provides information on both organic and inorganic commercial heat storage liquid media and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of each of these. Improvements in thermophysical properties of existing molten salts, such as heat capacity, thermal stability and thermal conductivity, are described. Also, the results of research into developing new low melting point molten salt mixtures and other promising sensible heat storage liquid media, such as metals, alloys and ionic liquids, are presented.