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Multiscale Simulation Of Thermocline Energy Storage For Concentrating Solar Power, Scott Michael Flueckiger

Open Access Dissertations

Concentrating solar power (CSP) is a renewable and demonstrated technology for large-scale power generation but requires multiple engineering advancements to achieve grid parity with conventional fossil fuels. Part of this advancement includes novel and inexpensive thermal energy systems to decouple daily power production from intermittent solar collection. Dual-media thermocline tanks, composed of molten salt and solid rock filler, offer low-cost storage capability but the concept has experienced limited deployment in CSP plants due to unresolved concerns about long-term thermal and structural stability. The main objective of the present work is to advance the understanding of thermocline storage design and operation …