The solar molten salt electric experiment
The solar Molten Salt Electric Experiment (MSEE) is now in operation at the Central Receiver Test Facility (CRTF) near Albuquerque, NM. The MSEE uses a molten salt as its solar receiver and thermal storage working fluid and uses water/steam as its electric power generating fluid. The molten sodium nitrate (60 percent) and potassium nitrate (40 percent) salt melts at about 430/sup 0/F (220/sup 0/C). Because it is chemically stable in air and has a low vapor pressure at high temperatures, it is an ideal medium for storing heat for use in cloudy weather or at night. The MSEE integrates the existing CRTF heliostat field, a 5 MWt solar receiver, a 7 MWH thermal storage system, a new 3 MWt steam generator, a 0.75 MWe turbogenerator and a digital process control system. The amount of electricity produced by the MSEE is sufficient for about 250 homes.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, NM
- OSTI ID:
- 6204436
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-831205-
- Journal Information:
- Alternative Energy Sources; (United States), Journal Name: Alternative Energy Sources; (United States); ISSN ALESD
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Molten salt electric experiment steam generator subsystem. Final report
Molten Salt Electric Experiment (MSEE) - Phase I report. Volume II
Related Subjects
140700* -- Solar Thermal Power Systems
ALKALI METAL COMPOUNDS
BOILERS
CENTRAL RECEIVER TEST FACILITY
CENTRAL RECEIVERS
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
CONTROL SYSTEMS
DIGITAL SYSTEMS
ELECTRIC GENERATORS
EQUIPMENT
FLUIDS
HEAT TRANSFER FLUIDS
MOLTEN SALTS
NITRATES
NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POTASSIUM COMPOUNDS
POTASSIUM NITRATES
RESEARCH PROGRAMS
SALTS
SODIUM COMPOUNDS
SODIUM NITRATES
SOLAR RECEIVERS
STEAM GENERATORS
TEST FACILITIES
THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE EQUIPMENT
TURBOGENERATORS
VAPOR GENERATORS
WORKING FLUIDS