OPTS

OPTS project aims at developing a new Thermal Energy Storage (TES) system based on single tank configuration using stratifying Molten Salts as a heat storage medium with an integrated Steam Generator (SG). The goal is to provide efficient, reliable and economic energy storage and steam production for the next generation of trough and tower plants. The three-year experimental program will focus to the full development of the integrated system (TES-SG) up to demonstration level.

Since the objective is to develop a new TES-SG concept for large-scale CSP plants, i.e. 50 MWe, the experimental concept has to be verified in a relevant scale (at least 12.5 MWth), maintaining the same main thermo-fluid-dynamic parameters as the full scale system. This test section will be designed, built, and tested. Basic experimental, modelling and engineering activities will be carried out to support the design and optimization of the proposed technology. These activities include assessment of MS heat transport properties under relevant representative conditions for the TES-SG system. Moreover, design, optimization and cost-benefit assessment for a full-scale TES-SG system (125 MWth/50MWe) will be done in the framework of the OPTS project coupled with a CSP (tower or trough) plant.

www.opts.enea.it

1. Commissariat A L Energie Atomique Et Aux Energies Alternatives (CEA) (FR)
2. Centre National De La Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) (FR)
3. Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft Zur Foerderung Der Angewandten Forschung E.V (Fraunhofer) (DE)
4. Weizmann Institute Of Science (IL)
5. Ansaldo Nucleare Spa (IT)
6. Centro De Investigaciones Energeticas
7. Medioambientales Y Tecnologicas (CIEMAT) (ES)
8. Cobra Instalaciones Y Servicios S.A (ES)
9. Laboratorio Nacional De Energia E Geologia I.P. (LNEG) (ES)
10. Tecnimont Kt – Kinetics Technology spa (IT)
11. Cyprus institute (CY)