3 ms·

There are significant issues that limit the scalability of these systems in terms of power, capacity, and duration. Building larger heat storage capacity, for

There are significant issues that limit the scalability of these systems in terms of power, capacity, and duration. Building larger heat storage capacity, for example, would be useless if it cools down before being used. Long-term storage is an area of active research. There is reason to believe[1] that the technology could improve in the future, but until that is proven to be viable the state of the art for duration is "a few hours". Speculation doesn't keep the lights on. The grid can only be powered by things that actually work in the present. [1] https://spectrum.ieee.org/long-term-energy-storage-molten-salt https://spectrum.ieee.org/long-term-energy-storage-molten-sa...

lamontcg 3y ago
> With proper insulation of the tank the thermal energy can be usefully stored for up to a week.[15] > [15] Ehrlich, Robert (2013). "Thermal storage". Renewable Energy: A First Course. CRC Press. p. 375. ISBN 978-1-4398-6115-8. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_energy_storage#Molten_salt_technology https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thermal_energy_storage#Molten_...
- throwaway7679 3y ago
  That book[1] speaks of the Andasol Solar Power Station, and makes several dubious statements about it. The one being cited is: > The well-insulated tanks where molten salt is stored contain enough thermal energy for up to a week A false claim. It has enough energy for 7.5 hours. (149.7MW/1123MWh) In any case, is says nothing about duration. The wiki writer may have just mistaken capacity for duration. I couldn't find any evidence of this power station storing energy for any amount of time. It's used on the night immediately after the day that charged it. [1] https://books.google.com/books?id=Y693JNsoS4gC&q=375 https://books.google.com/books?id=Y693JNsoS4gC&q=375