Investigators at MIT: Professor Alexander H. Slocum, Dr. Charles Forsberg, and Professor David Trumper
Investigators at Masdar Institute: Professors Nicolas Calvet, Saif Al Mheiri, and Tariq Shamim
Thermal energy storage (TES) is critical in the development and implementation of concentrated solar power (CSP) plants to accommodate energy demand and to suitably integrate the generated electricity into the grid. This research seeks to design, build, and test a novel TES concept. A direct absorption molten salt CSP receiver will be developed to deliver variable electricity on demand to the grid. In the proposed system, a concentrated beam directly enters the molten salt TES vessel where it is absorbed and stored as sensible heat by the molten salt through its depth. The molten salt tank simultaneously acts as a volumetric receiver and a thermal energy storage system.
Developing renewable energy sources requires cost-effective energy storage solutions. One of the biggest challenges to renewable power sources, such as solar, is the intermittent nature of the power resource. The two main sources of solar intermittency in Abu Dhabi are:
Given these constraints, there is a demand for storing solar power to be used during these times. Transmission power companies often resist upgrading their power lines to accommodate the intermittent power produced by solar due to low capacity factors and thus higher transmission costs per MWh. Therefore, energy storage solutions are becoming increasingly important. TES solutions are an essential component to provide constant power using renewable source.
Developing UAE-owned technology adapted to the local environment (solar resource, high air ambient temperature, sand and dust, etc.) is vitally important and will help lead to a more sustainable knowledge-based economy. This will generate advanced manufacturing jobs and an export market for UAE solar thermal energy systems.
