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Thermal Energy Storage (TES) is crucial for solar thermal power plants, allowing electricity generation even without sunlight. It aids in grid reliability, meeting baseload and peak demands. Various TES media like molten salts, steam, concrete, and phase-change materials are discussed, each with unique benefits. Innovations like the PS10 and Andasol plants showcase TES applications, while water conservation efforts in plants like Ivanpah highlight sustainability.
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Thermal energy storage allows solar power plants to generate electricity even when there is no sunlight
Contribution to baseload and peak electricity demands
Thermal energy storage helps integrate solar power into the energy grid by providing a reliable source for both baseload and peak electricity demands
Thermal energy storage helps address the mismatch between peak solar generation times and peak electricity demand, particularly in the evening
Molten salts, such as a mixture of sodium and potassium nitrate, are commonly used as thermal storage media in solar thermal energy systems due to their excellent thermal properties, low vapor pressure at high temperatures, and non-toxicity
Pressurized water or steam can also be used as thermal storage media in solar thermal energy systems
Phase change materials, such as paraffin waxes or salt hydrates, are substances that absorb or release heat as they change from solid to liquid or vice versa, and can be used as thermal storage media in solar energy applications
Steam accumulators are a type of thermal energy storage that captures heat in the form of pressurized steam
Steam accumulators are typically used for short-term energy storage
Research and development are ongoing to extend the storage capacity of steam accumulators for longer durations
Molten salt thermal energy storage systems enable continuous electricity generation from solar thermal power plants, even during periods of no sunlight
The Andasol solar power station in Spain utilizes molten salt storage to produce electricity for several hours after sunset or during cloudy conditions
The storage tanks used for molten salt storage in solar thermal power plants have significant dimensions, with the capacity to supply a 100-megawatt turbine for four hours
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Role of TES in solar power reliability
TES enables consistent electricity generation by solar power, balancing supply during sunless periods.
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TES impact on solar plant efficiency
Stores excess heat for later use, increasing solar plant's operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
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Mitigation of the 'duck curve'
TES helps smooth out energy supply by releasing stored heat to align with peak demand, reducing reliance on peaker plants.
