Sulamolämpövarastointi

Sulamolämpövarastointi, often translated as molten salt thermal energy storage, is a technology used to store thermal energy in molten salt. This method is particularly effective for storing heat generated from sources like concentrated solar power (CSP) plants, industrial waste heat, or even surplus electricity from renewable sources during periods of low demand. The principle involves heating a molten salt mixture to a high temperature and storing it in insulated tanks. When thermal energy is needed, the molten salt is circulated through a heat exchanger, transferring its stored heat to another fluid, such as water or air, which can then be used for electricity generation or heating purposes.

The salts used are typically mixtures of nitrates and carbonates, chosen for their high heat capacity, thermal stability at high temperatures, and relatively low cost. Common mixtures include sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate, or sodium carbonate and potassium carbonate. The storage system typically consists of two tanks: a "hot" tank containing the molten salt at its highest operating temperature, and a "cold" tank holding the salt at a lower temperature after it has passed through the heat exchanger. This allows for continuous cycling of the salt between the hot and cold states.

Sulamolämpövarastoint offers significant advantages, including high energy density, long-term storage capability, and the ability to decouple energy generation from its availability. This is crucial for intermittent renewable sources like solar power, enabling them to provide a more consistent and reliable energy supply. The technology is also scalable and can be integrated into existing power generation infrastructure. While initial investment costs can be considerable, the long operational lifespan and efficiency of molten salt thermal energy storage make it an economically viable solution for grid-scale energy storage.