An innovative empirical method for the accurate identification of the eutectic point of binary salts for solar thermal energy storage

Teng-Cheong Ong; Elizabeth Graham; Geoffrey Will; Theodore A. Steinberg

doi:10.1016/j.mtcomm.2020.101864

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An innovative empirical method for the accurate identification of the eutectic point of binary salts for solar thermal energy storage

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

An innovative empirical method for the accurate identification of the eutectic point of binary salts for solar thermal energy storage

Teng-Cheong Ong, Elizabeth Graham, Geoffrey Will and Theodore A. Steinberg

Materials Today Communications, Vol.26, pp.1-13

2021

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mtcomm.2020.101864

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Abstract

eutectic salts

latent heat

thermal energy storage

phase change materials

concentrated solar power

microscopy

There are various methods available to predict the eutectic composition of binary salt systems; however, they do not always yield accurate results, which leads to large discrepancies in the literature and can significantly affect the efficiency of these binary systems during use. In this study, we present an innovative empirical method for accurately identifying the correct eutectic composition, utilizing a Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) technique. The method involves the measurement of the change in the latent heat of fusion of varying ratios of a binary system of interest, with the maximum latent heat corresponding to the 'true eutectic' composition. To confirm that the composition identified with this approach is truly eutectic, samples were analysed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) imaging. The findings of this study are significant because for 4 different binary salt mixtures evaluated, the results showed that previously published eutectic compositions deviate from the true eutectic by as much as 9 wt%. This method is highly pertinent for the application of molten salts in commercial Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage Systems (LHTESS), because the optimization of the eutectic composition results in a substantial increase in the usable latent heat. This represents a significant savings (as large as a 35 % reduction) in the capital costs of setting up an energy storage system.

Details

Title: An innovative empirical method for the accurate identification of the eutectic point of binary salts for solar thermal energy storage
Authors: Teng-Cheong Ong (Corresponding Author) - Queensland University of Technology
Elizabeth Graham (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
Geoffrey Will (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
Theodore A. Steinberg (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
Publication details: Materials Today Communications, Vol.26, pp.1-13
Publisher: Elsevier Ltd
Date published: 2021
DOI: 10.1016/j.mtcomm.2020.101864
ISSN: 2352-4928
Grant note: Australian Government, through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA)
Organisation Unit: School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99737878302621
Output Type: Journal article

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