A novel investigation on solar thermal power with advanced TES and Heat transfer fluids

Khandelwal D. K., Dewangan A. k., Yadav P. S., ÇALIŞKAN H.

Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s10973-025-15050-6
  • Journal Name: Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Compendex, Index Islamicus, INSPEC
  • Keywords: Combined-cycle, Concentrated solar power, HTFs, Thermal storage
  • Uşak University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Solar energy fluctuations prevent the current solar integrated thermal cycle (SITC) power generation system from functioning efficiently under its intended design conditions, and thermal energy storage (TES) can efficiently mitigate the impact of solar energy fluctuations. Cascaded TES is considered a superior option for solar heat storage over two-tank TES. This study investigates a thermal power plant boasting a capacity of 210 MW, incorporating a solar system based on integrated thermal storage devices and LFR technology. Solar-integrated thermal cycle performance is analyzed using MATLAB to simulate dual-tank and cascade thermal storage systems. The results indicate that (i) Molten salt as HTF stores 36.75 MW of energy when charging, compared to 29.18 MW with oil. Molten salt exhibited 4.7% better thermal storage efficiency than oil. (ii). Two FWH can be replaced in cascade TES compared to two-tank TES. The coal consumption rate with cascade TES was decreased by 2.09% compared two-tank. Also, the fuel saving rate of cascade TES can be increased by 17.90% than two-tank TES.