Tribological behavior of ceramic-alloy bearing contacts in molten salt lubrication for concentrating solar power

He, Xin; Wang, Rick; Sulejmanovic, Dino; Robb, Kevin; Keiser, Jim; Oldinski, Keith; Qu, Jun

doi:10.1016/j.solmat.2021.111065

Tribological behavior of ceramic-alloy bearing contacts in molten salt lubrication for concentrating solar power

Journal Article · Sun Mar 21 00:00:00 EDT 2021 · Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solmat.2021.111065· OSTI ID:1798607

^[1]; ^[2]; Sulejmanovic, Dino ^[2]; ^[2]; ^[2]; Oldinski, Keith ^[3]; ^[2]

Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States); Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Oak Ridge National Lab. (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)
Hayward Tyler Inc., Colchester, VT (United States)

Molten salts are considered as candidate heat transfer fluids and thermal energy storage media for next generation concentrating solar power (CSP). A molten salt circulates inside the piping and heat exchanger and also functions as a lubricant for the sleeve bearings of the CSP pump. Furthermore, wear- and corrosion-resistant high-temperature bearing materials are critical for the pump efficiency and durability. This study evaluated the tribological performance of candidate bearing materials in lubrication of a molten chloride salt mixture (20% NaCl + 40% MgCl₂ + 40% KCl) at 750 °C in an inert argon gas (a simulative CSP pump environment). Six ceramic-alloy pairs were tested, zirconia and silicon nitride against Haynes 244, Hastelloy C276, and Tribaloy T900 alloy, and ranked by the friction coefficient and wear loss. Characterization of worn surfaces suggested the wear mechanism as a combination of abrasion, adhesion, and tribocorrosion. Results from this study provide fundamental insight for the development and selection of bearing materials for molten salt powered CSP pumps.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Hayward Tyler, Inc.; Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), Oak Ridge, TN (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Renewable Power Office. Solar Energy Technologies Office

Grant/Contract Number:: EE0008373; AC05-00OR22725

OSTI ID:: 1798607

Alternate ID(s):: OSTI ID: 1815317

Journal Information:: Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells, Journal Name: Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells Vol. 225; ISSN 0927-0248

Publisher:: ElsevierCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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14 SOLAR ENERGY
concentrating solar power
lubrication
molten salt
sleeve bearing
wear

Tribological behavior of ceramic-alloy bearing contacts in molten salt lubrication for concentrating solar power

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References (14)

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