Molten nitrate salts containing lithium as thermal energy storage media : a short review

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Energy storage plays a crucial role in the development and progress of renewable energy sources. In the case of thermal energy, storage has been a step ahead since storage solutions already exist, unlike other conversion energy technologies. In this sense, the utilization of molten salts, mainly composed of mixtures of alkali/alkaline earth metals, in nitrate forms (sometimes also with nitrite), have been proposed and successfully applied. Molten salts have recognized advantages over other solutions namely in what concerns simultaneous use as heat transfer fluids and as storage media. Commercial utilization of molten salts has been tested essentially with the Na/K salt mixtures. Introduction of lithium nitrate in these formulation has been proposed, since can allow decreasing the melting point of the mixtures, thus providing safety concerning the risks of freezing in the tubes or tanks of the storage plant. This paper provides a short review on the utilization of lithium in molten salt mixtures used for thermal energy storage. Physical, chemical and thermal properties, as well as stability and decomposition issues are evaluated. Corrosion of stainless steels in contact with the salts is another crucial question that is also addressed.