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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Alternate central receiver power system. Phase II. Midterm topical report

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/5041228· OSTI ID:5041228

The objective of the Phase II program is to prove the feasibility of the molten salt central receiver power system by conducting a series of experiments and using results to update the commercial system developed during Phase I. The experiments are (1) Receiver Subsystem Research Experiment (SRE), (2) long-term molten salt flow loop, and (3) materials test program. The primary objectives of the receiver SRE are: (1) to demonstrate the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of a solar receiver using molten salt (60% NaNO/sub 3/, 40% KNO/sub 3/) as the heat transfer fluid under operating conditions that simulate a commercial receiver, including fluid temperatures, heat flux, realistic transients (start-up, shutdown, and cloud interruption), and steady-state operation; and (2) to demonstrate the fabrication processes and quality control techniques required for a commercial receiver. The primary objectives of the molten salt loop are: (1) to determine if there is any significant mass transport of material that could effect the life of a molten salt system; (2) to determine if corrosion rates in a flowing system differ significantly from those in static tests; (3) to establish the chemical stability of molten salt in a system with flow and temperature excursions; and (4) to gain more experience in the design, construction and operation of molten salt systems. The primary objective of the materials test program is to provide materials test data needed to commercialize a solar power plant using molten salt.

Research Organization:
Martin Marietta Aerospace, Denver, CO (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC03-79SF10534
OSTI ID:
5041228
Report Number(s):
DOE/SF/10534-1
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English