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Molten Salts as a Heat Store
release time：2016/09/30 clicks：
Molten Salts as a Heat Store
The molten salt typically used* in renewable energy applications is a mixture of 60% sodium nitrateand 40% potassium nitrate (aka saltpeter). This mixture melts at 230 degrees Celcius into a liquid which can be pumped around a concentrated solar system, and passed through heat exchangers(to collect heat from sunlight, and turn water into steam) etc. Molten salt is non-toxic and also non-flammable so it is very safe to use, and it flows much as water does.Common table salt (sodium chloride NaCl) is not used as its melting point is over 800 degrees Celcius.
The molten salt acts effectively as a solar heat battery. By keeping the hot molten salt in a wellinsulated tank it is possible to generate solar electricity at any time of night and day, and to storesolar energy for up to a week after it was collected.
When water freezes (i.e. goes from liquid to solid state) it expands. That is why water pipes can burst during the winter. Fortunately molten salt contracts when it returns to the solid state and so will not damage any pipework or equipment if it cools down.
