Molten-Salt-Based Thermal Storage for Thermal Power Unit Plant Peaking
As the integration of renewable energy sources continues to increase, thermal power units are increasingly required to enhance their operational flexibility to accommodate grid fluctuations. However, frequent load variations in conventional thermal power plants result in decreased efficiency, accele...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2025-05-01
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| Series: | Energies |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/10/2522 |
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| author | Fengying Ren Fanxing Meng Hao Liu Haiyan Yu Li Xu Xiaohan Ren |
| author_facet | Fengying Ren Fanxing Meng Hao Liu Haiyan Yu Li Xu Xiaohan Ren |
| author_sort | Fengying Ren |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | As the integration of renewable energy sources continues to increase, thermal power units are increasingly required to enhance their operational flexibility to accommodate grid fluctuations. However, frequent load variations in conventional thermal power plants result in decreased efficiency, accelerated equipment wear, and high operational costs. In this context, molten-salt thermal energy storage (TES) has emerged as a promising solution due to its high specific heat capacity and thermal stability. By enabling the storage of surplus energy and its regulated release during peak demand periods, molten salt TES contributes to improved grid stability, reduced start-up frequency, and minimized operational disturbances. This study employs comprehensive thermodynamic simulations to investigate three representative schemes for heat storage and release. The results indicate that the dual steam extraction configuration (Scheme 3) offers the highest thermal storage capacity and peak-load regulation potential, albeit at the cost of increased heat consumption. Conversely, the single steam extraction configurations (Scheme 1 and 2) demonstrate improved thermal efficiency and reduced system complexity. Furthermore, Scheme 3, which involves extracting feedwater from the condenser outlet, provides enhanced operational flexibility but necessitates a higher initial investment. These findings offer critical insights into the optimal integration of molten-salt thermal-storage systems with conventional thermal power units. The outcomes not only highlight the trade-offs among different design strategies but also support the broader objective of enhancing the efficiency and adaptability of thermal power generation in a renewable-dominated energy landscape. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-88bde839dddc4b98ad0d74227933f7b3 |
| institution | OA Journals |
| issn | 1996-1073 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Energies |
| spelling | doaj-art-88bde839dddc4b98ad0d74227933f7b32025-08-20T02:33:44ZengMDPI AGEnergies1996-10732025-05-011810252210.3390/en18102522Molten-Salt-Based Thermal Storage for Thermal Power Unit Plant PeakingFengying Ren0Fanxing Meng1Hao Liu2Haiyan Yu3Li Xu4Xiaohan Ren5Institute of Thermal Science and Technology, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, ChinaInstitute of Thermal Science and Technology, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, ChinaLogistics Support Department, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, ChinaInstitute of Thermal Science and Technology, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, ChinaAnhui Special Equipment Inspection Institute, 45 Dalian Road, Hefei 230051, ChinaInstitute of Thermal Science and Technology, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, ChinaAs the integration of renewable energy sources continues to increase, thermal power units are increasingly required to enhance their operational flexibility to accommodate grid fluctuations. However, frequent load variations in conventional thermal power plants result in decreased efficiency, accelerated equipment wear, and high operational costs. In this context, molten-salt thermal energy storage (TES) has emerged as a promising solution due to its high specific heat capacity and thermal stability. By enabling the storage of surplus energy and its regulated release during peak demand periods, molten salt TES contributes to improved grid stability, reduced start-up frequency, and minimized operational disturbances. This study employs comprehensive thermodynamic simulations to investigate three representative schemes for heat storage and release. The results indicate that the dual steam extraction configuration (Scheme 3) offers the highest thermal storage capacity and peak-load regulation potential, albeit at the cost of increased heat consumption. Conversely, the single steam extraction configurations (Scheme 1 and 2) demonstrate improved thermal efficiency and reduced system complexity. Furthermore, Scheme 3, which involves extracting feedwater from the condenser outlet, provides enhanced operational flexibility but necessitates a higher initial investment. These findings offer critical insights into the optimal integration of molten-salt thermal-storage systems with conventional thermal power units. The outcomes not only highlight the trade-offs among different design strategies but also support the broader objective of enhancing the efficiency and adaptability of thermal power generation in a renewable-dominated energy landscape.https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/10/2522thermal power unitmolten saltflexibility |
| spellingShingle | Fengying Ren Fanxing Meng Hao Liu Haiyan Yu Li Xu Xiaohan Ren Molten-Salt-Based Thermal Storage for Thermal Power Unit Plant Peaking Energies thermal power unit molten salt flexibility |
| title | Molten-Salt-Based Thermal Storage for Thermal Power Unit Plant Peaking |
| title_full | Molten-Salt-Based Thermal Storage for Thermal Power Unit Plant Peaking |
| title_fullStr | Molten-Salt-Based Thermal Storage for Thermal Power Unit Plant Peaking |
| title_full_unstemmed | Molten-Salt-Based Thermal Storage for Thermal Power Unit Plant Peaking |
| title_short | Molten-Salt-Based Thermal Storage for Thermal Power Unit Plant Peaking |
| title_sort | molten salt based thermal storage for thermal power unit plant peaking |
| topic | thermal power unit molten salt flexibility |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/10/2522 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT fengyingren moltensaltbasedthermalstorageforthermalpowerunitplantpeaking AT fanxingmeng moltensaltbasedthermalstorageforthermalpowerunitplantpeaking AT haoliu moltensaltbasedthermalstorageforthermalpowerunitplantpeaking AT haiyanyu moltensaltbasedthermalstorageforthermalpowerunitplantpeaking AT lixu moltensaltbasedthermalstorageforthermalpowerunitplantpeaking AT xiaohanren moltensaltbasedthermalstorageforthermalpowerunitplantpeaking |