Heat transfer oil in energy storage field

Can synthetic oils be used for thermal energy storage?

Traditionally, CSP plants have used synthetic oils as heat transfer fluids and molten salts for thermal energy storage. At the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), we are improving these materials as well as developing and characterizing advanced nanofluids and phase-change materials (PCMs) for thermal storage applications.

What are thermal storage and advanced heat transfer fluids?

Thermal Storage and Advanced Heat Transfer Fluids We evaluate the properties of fluids that transfer and store heat in concentrating solar power (CSP) plants to improve the thermal-to-electricity efficiency and lower the operational cost of the plants.

Do concentrating solar power plants use heat transfer fluids?

We evaluate the properties of fluids that transfer and store heat in concentrating solar power (CSP) plants to improve the thermal-to-electricity efficiency and lower the operational cost of the plants. Traditionally, CSP plants have used synthetic oils as heat transfer fluids and molten salts for thermal energy storage.

How can oil field energy saving management improve the flow of crude oil?

Since the crude oil produced in our country has more than three high characteristics, the safety and stable transportation was one of the key links of oil field energy saving management. One of the ways to ensure the flow of crude oil in long distance pipeline was to adopt effective insulation measures.

What is thermal-storage heat-transfer & fluid-flow modeling?

At NREL, we use thermal-storage heat-transfer and fluid- flow modeling to simulate the flow of thermal energy and fluid over time in complex geometries such as tanks, piping, and packed beds.

What is a thermal storage process & components lab?

Our Thermal Storage Process and Components Laboratory is being established as a testing lab with the equipment and accessories needed to measure the fluid flow and heat transfer behavior/performance of process components of storage systems —complete with oil, steam, and salt heat transfer fluids.