Evaluation of the environmental impacts and economical study of Solar Salt in CSP-parabolic trough technology

Abstract

The performance of a concentrated solar power plant is strongly driven by its heat storage capacity and is evolving through the development of new salt mixtures. Molten nitrates, which have already proved their high potential, can be further improved in terms of economic and environmental aspects, with the mitigation of toxic compounds and a higher electricity generation capability. In this work, stability range and energy density characterisations were performed on the nitrate ‘Solar’ salt, along with its life cycle assessment, environmental impact, and cost analysis.