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A review of the chemical and physical properties of molten alkali nitrate salts and their effect on materials used for solar central receivers

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6846589

Sandia National Laboratories, Livermore (SNLL), has been responsible for developing thermal energy collection and storage technologies for solar central receiver (SCR) applications as the lead laboratory designated by the US Department of Energy. The focus of one of these efforts has been the evaluation of the properties of a mixture of sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate as a single-phase working fluid for SCR systems. This report summarizes the results of a comprehensive research program that was established by SNLL to address issues relevant to the use of molten nitrates at temperatures up to 600/degree/C. It is concluded that molten nitrate salt is not only technically feasible as a working fluid for advanced SCR, but is advantageous in a number of ways to alternative fluids. 44 refs., 5 figs., 1 tab.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Labs., Livermore, CA (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-76DR00789
OSTI ID:
6846589
Report Number(s):
SAND-87-8005; ON: DE88010500
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English