SERI Solar Energy Storage Program: FY 1984
Abstract
The activities of the Solar Energy Research Institute's Solar Energy Research Institute's Solar Energy Storage Program during its sixth year are summarized. During FY 1984 a study was conducted to identify the most promising high-temperature containment concepts considering corrosion resistance, material strength at high temperature, reliability of performance, and cost. Of the two generic types of high-temperature thermal storage concepts, the single-tank system was selected using a two-medium approach to the thermocline maintenance. This concept promises low costs, but further research is required. A conceptual design for a sand-to-air direct-contact heat exchanger was developed using dual-lock hoppers to introduce the sand into the fluidized-bed exchanger, and using cyclones to remove sand particles from the output air stream. Preliminary cost estimates indicate heat exchanger subsystem annual levelized costs of about $4/GJ with compressor costs of an additional $0.75/GJ. An economic analysis comparing sensible and latent heat storage for nitrate and carbonate salts with solely sensible heat storage showed 3%-21% cost savings with combined sensible and latent heat storage.
- Publication:
-
Annual Report Midwest Research Inst
- Pub Date:
- February 1985
- Bibcode:
- 1985mri..rept.....L
- Keywords:
-
- Corrosion Resistance;
- Energy Storage;
- Heat Storage;
- Solar Energy;
- Economic Analysis;
- Heat Exchangers;
- High Temperature;
- Latent Heat;
- Molten Salts;
- Thermoclines;
- Energy Production and Conversion