Dual tank energy storage technology

Is dual-media single tank (DMT) better than other sensible-based storage systems?

Further, various investigators studied the integration of other sensible-based storage systems with CSP and found dual-media single tank (DMT) more economical and competitive as compared to other systems like single-media tank and two-tank molten salt TES system.

How effective is a dual-media storage system?

In a dual-media tank, the effectiveness of storage material has also been studied by the authors to investigate the thermal performance of the TES system. The thermocline thickness of the storage system depends on the thermal diffusivity of the material, and it is higher for maximum thermal diffusivity.

What is a dual-media thermocline tank?

Dual-media thermocline tank consists of storage material in the form of small pebbles and HTF, as shown in Fig. 10. The storage material reduces the volume of HTF required and hence reduces the cost of the TES system. In a single-media thermocline tank, the quantity of HTF needed is substantial.

Should thermal energy storage system be integrated with CSP?

Hence, integration of thermal energy storage system with CSP is required to make the system economically more viable. Currently, the two-tank molten salt TES system is operational but economically not so viable due to its high initial cost.

What is a single-tank TES system?

To overcome the molten salt TES system’s limitation, a single-tank TES system came into existence. Single-media thermocline system consists of high-temperature HTF, which increases its temperature from the solar field and increases the energy content of working fluid used in the power block.

Can Micro solar power plants be integrated with thermal energy storage systems?

The smallest commercial CSP plant, operational in 2019, was of a 9-MW capacity with a 36-MWh energy storage system. Therefore, research needs to be done to integrate micro solar power plants with the thermal energy storage system. The charging and discharging of the thermal energy storage system (TES) is addressed in the literature.