Reducing the Cost of Thermal Energy Storage for Parabolic Trough Solar Power Plants

Graphic of a large red cylinder to the right of many small red cylinders lined up in rows.

Abengoa Solar is researching a thermal energy storage system with materials, such as salt mixtures, that change phase at different melt temperatures. Taking advantage of the latent heat absorbed or released during melting and freezing can considerably reduce the size of the TES system.

Abengoa, under the Thermal Storage FOA, is looking at innovative ways to reduce thermal energy storage (TES) system costs.

Approach

The project objectives are to:

Identify opportunities for cost reduction in near-term TES systems
Identify two mid-term TES options with greater opportunities for cost reduction
Demonstrate the TES options with the best cost reduction potential for parabolic troughs plants in the near and mid-term

Innovation

Abengoa is evaluating several topologies for parabolic trough plants with storage and performing cost comparisons to determine relative advantages. Two topologies are being selected for development into system demonstrations.

Publications, Patents, and Awards

At this time, this project does not have published articles, patents, or awards.

Quarterly Progress Reports

CSP Program Overview

Learn about other DOE competitive awards for concentrating solar power research that are in progress.