Thermal Storage
Thermal energy storage (TES) has become a critical aspect of any concentrating solar power (CSP) system deployed today.
One challenge facing the widespread use of solar energy is the reduced or curtailed energy production when the sun sets or is blocked by clouds. Thermal energy storage provides a workable solution to this challenge. In a CSP system, the sun’s rays are reflected onto a receiver, creating heat that is then used to generate electricity. If the receiver contains oil or molten salt as the heat-transfer medium, then the thermal energy can be stored for later use. This allows CSP systems to be a cost-competitive option for providing clean, renewable energy. Presently, steam-based receivers cannot store thermal energy for later use. Thermal storage research in the United States and Europe seeks to develop such capabilities.