Sulasuolajärjestelmien

Sulasuolajärjestelmien, often translated as "melt salt systems" or "molten salt systems," refers to a class of technologies that utilize molten salts for energy storage and transfer. These systems are primarily employed in concentrated solar power (CSP) plants, where they serve as a medium for storing thermal energy captured from sunlight.

In CSP plants, mirrors or heliostats concentrate solar radiation onto a receiver. This concentrated heat is then used to melt a salt mixture, typically a combination of sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate. The molten salt can reach temperatures of several hundred degrees Celsius. This stored thermal energy can be released when needed to generate steam, which then drives a turbine to produce electricity.

The advantages of using molten salts in CSP include their high heat capacity, excellent thermal stability at elevated temperatures, and relatively low cost. They also allow for efficient energy storage, enabling CSP plants to generate electricity even when the sun is not shining, such as at night or during cloudy periods. This dispatchability is a key feature that differentiates CSP with thermal storage from other renewable energy sources.

Beyond CSP, molten salt technology is also being explored for other applications, including nuclear reactor cooling and industrial heat transfer. Research continues to optimize salt compositions and system designs for improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The development of reliable and safe molten salt handling and storage is crucial for the widespread adoption of these systems.