Alternative Solution to Alternative Energy Storage: Molten Salt

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Multiple alternatives to energy storage, which are predominantly non-chemical have been developed over the years. This move has been initiated on behalf of all energy sectors in an attempt to reduce their high CO2 emissions and address the need for reasonably priced and reliable energy supplies. Increasing the capacities of renewable energies such as solar power, biomass combustion, and wind power leads to fluctuations in the energies that they supply. Moreover, they also require big storage capacities. Thus, in order to stabilize this supply and at the same time deliver reliable and sustainable power, thermal energy storage with molten salt is an ideal solution. This method also ensures the specific goal of flexible energy control and storage.

The molten salt method of energy storage uses molten salt as a storage medium for thermal energy. The process is simple. Liquid salt is pumped through electric heaters (upto 570 °C) before it is sent to a steam generator. In the generator, the heated salt produces steam to power the turbine. The molten salt is then kept in an insulated storage tank and the volume of the steam can be adjusted in accordance with the application. Perhaps the most interesting aspect is that this method produces and stores energy that can be used at night or during periods where there is relatively less sunlight. Taking into account both economic and technical factors, this method

looks the most promising. Energy storage with molten salt is thus, a cost-effective, decarbonized, stabilizing, and efficient method of power supply that has a high storage efficiency and won’t further harm the environment.