165
the distribution of nanomaterials in the investigated molten salts and whether the
measured specific heat capacity is representative in an inhomogeneous system. (3)
The real compositions of the unique structures and concentrations of nanomaterials
in the molten salt for tests have not been confirmed.
6.2 Merits and Challenges
The prospect of molten salts as TES media is bright and also intriguing, particularly
after the ‘solar salt’ has been successfully utilised in an increasing number of
commercial CSP plants in recent decades, providing a secure and sustainable way
of generating electricity from solar energy worldwide. Furthermore, the design of a
TES system for a CSP plant can also be configured to other facilities as required.
The investigation of nanomaterial-doped molten salts is beneficial in reinforcing the
storage capacity and optimising the TES configuration.
Although the properties and applications of each of nanomaterials and molten
salts have been widely reported in the literature, investigation on doping
nanomaterials in molten salts as heat storage enhancers is still in germination.
Besides, the characterisation of thermophysical performance of the molten salts and
related materials at high temperatures is critical and challenging. More efforts are
needed for better understanding of the interactions between nanomaterials and
molten salts as well as dealing with the theoretical and technical challenges such as
standardised testing methods and protocols, and the development of more affordable, reliable and convenient high-temperature analytical tools and equipment.
Fig. 4 SEM image of 1 wt.% TiO 2 in a solidified molten nitrate salt (75,000 magnification). The
blue arrow points at the surface of the solidified salt free from nanoparticles. Bottom right side
shows a magnified image of TiO 2 nanoparticles [41]
Nanomaterials Enhanced Heat Storage in Molten Salts
the distribution of nanomaterials in the investigated molten salts and whether the
measured specific heat capacity is representative in an inhomogeneous system. (3)
The real compositions of the unique structures and concentrations of nanomaterials
in the molten salt for tests have not been confirmed.
6.2 Merits and Challenges
The prospect of molten salts as TES media is bright and also intriguing, particularly
after the ‘solar salt’ has been successfully utilised in an increasing number of
commercial CSP plants in recent decades, providing a secure and sustainable way
of generating electricity from solar energy worldwide. Furthermore, the design of a
TES system for a CSP plant can also be configured to other facilities as required.
The investigation of nanomaterial-doped molten salts is beneficial in reinforcing the
storage capacity and optimising the TES configuration.
Although the properties and applications of each of nanomaterials and molten
salts have been widely reported in the literature, investigation on doping
nanomaterials in molten salts as heat storage enhancers is still in germination.
Besides, the characterisation of thermophysical performance of the molten salts and
related materials at high temperatures is critical and challenging. More efforts are
needed for better understanding of the interactions between nanomaterials and
molten salts as well as dealing with the theoretical and technical challenges such as
standardised testing methods and protocols, and the development of more affordable, reliable and convenient high-temperature analytical tools and equipment.
Fig. 4 SEM image of 1 wt.% TiO 2 in a solidified molten nitrate salt (75,000 magnification). The
blue arrow points at the surface of the solidified salt free from nanoparticles. Bottom right side
shows a magnified image of TiO 2 nanoparticles [41]
Nanomaterials Enhanced Heat Storage in Molten Salts