Molten Salt Boiler： An Efficient Energy Storage And Heating Solution

ໝໍ້ຕົ້ມເກືອ， As an emerging energy device, it has attracted much attention in recent years due to its enormous potential in energy storage, heating, and power generation. It uses molten salt as a heat transfer medium, absorbs heat released by fuel or other energy sources, heats the molten salt to high temperatures, stores it, and then releases heat for heating or power generation when needed. Compared with traditional boilers, Molten Salt Boiler has higher efficiency, lower emissions, and better energy storage capacity, making it one of the important directions for future energy development.

The core advantage of Molten Salt Boiler lies in the molten salt medium it uses

Molten salt is usually a mixture of various inorganic salts, which has good thermal stability and high specific heat capacity, and can operate stably at high temperatures without decomposition or deterioration. At the same time, the high specific heat capacity of molten salt means that it can store a large amount of thermal energy, which enables the ໝໍ້ຕົ້ມເກືອ to effectively store and release energy. Common molten salts include nitrate, nitrite, chloride, etc. Choosing the appropriate combination of molten salts based on different application scenarios and temperature requirements is a key step in the design of Molten Salt Boiler.

The working principle of Molten Salt Boiler is relatively simple

The heat generated by the combustion of fuels such as natural gas and coal is transferred to molten salt, which is then heated and stored in storage tanks. When heating or power generation is required, high-temperature molten salt is pumped into a heat exchanger to transfer heat to water or other working media, generating steam to drive a steam turbine for power generation or directly used for heating. This method of energy storage and release through molten salt can effectively solve the mismatch between energy supply and demand in time and space, especially in the field of renewable energy generation, such as solar thermal power generation and wind power generation.

Compared with other energy storage technologies, Molten Salt Boiler has many advantages

Firstly, it has a large energy storage capacity and can store energy for a long time, meeting large-scale energy demands. Secondly, its energy storage cost is relatively low, especially for large-scale energy storage systems, and the economic advantages of molten salt energy storage are more obvious. Again, molten salt energy storage has high energy conversion efficiency and low heat loss, which can effectively convert stored thermal energy into electrical or thermal energy. Finally, molten salt energy storage has high environmental friendliness, which can effectively reduce the use of fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

Molten Salt Boiler also faces some challenges

The corrosiveness of molten salt is one of the main obstacles to its application. High temperature molten salt can corrode metal materials, leading to a shortened lifespan of equipment. Therefore, it is necessary to choose corrosion-resistant materials and take effective anti-corrosion measures to ensure the safe and stable operation of ໝໍ້ຕົ້ມເກືອ. In addition, the solidification point of molten salt is relatively high, and a certain temperature needs to be maintained to prevent it from solidifying, which increases the complexity of operation and maintenance.

In summary, ໝໍ້ຕົ້ມເກືອ, as an efficient energy storage and heating solution, has important application prospects in future energy development. With the continuous advancement of technology and further cost reduction, ໝໍ້ຕົ້ມເກືອ will play a greater role in renewable energy generation, industrial heating, and regional energy systems, contributing to the realization of clean, efficient, and sustainable energy development.

Molten Salt Boiler FAQs

What is Molten Salt Boiler? What is its working principle?

Molten Salt Boiler is a high-temperature heating equipment that uses a mixture of molten salts such as potassium nitrate and sodium nitrate as a heat transfer medium. Its working principle is that molten salt is heated to high temperature (usually 300-600 ℃) by electricity or fuel in the boiler, and then transported to the heating equipment through a circulation pump to release heat. After cooling, the molten salt returns to the boiler for reheating, forming a closed cycle system.

What are the core advantages of Molten Salt Boiler?

High temperature stability: Molten salt can achieve high temperatures above 500 ℃ under normal pressure (high pressure is required for steam boilers).

Large heat capacity: Strong heat storage capacity, suitable for intermittent energy supply (such as solar thermal power generation).

Safety and Environmental Protection: No explosion risk, no toxic gas emissions.

Long lifespan: The chemical properties of molten salt are stable, and system corrosion is controllable.

What are the main application scenarios of Molten Salt Boiler?

Solar thermal power generation (CSP): stores solar energy and generates stable electricity.

Chemical processes: such as petrochemical cracking, polymer synthesis, and other high-temperature requirements.

Nuclear energy system: heat transfer medium for fourth generation nuclear reactors.

Industrial waste heat recovery: Recovering high-temperature waste heat from industries such as metallurgy and glass.

What key issues should be noted during the operation of Molten Salt Boiler?

Anti solidification: The solidification point of molten salt is about 120-220 ℃, and it requires heat tracing and insulation (electric heating belt/steam tracing).

Anti corrosion: Choose stainless steel (such as 316L) or nickel based alloy materials.

Thermal stress management: Avoid pipeline cracking caused by sudden temperature changes.

Impurity control: prevent chloride ions and other impurities from accelerating corrosion.

How to choose between Molten Salt Boiler and Thermal Oil Boiler?

Temperature requirement: Molten salt (>400 ℃) is superior to thermal oil (<400 ℃).

Cost: The initial investment of the molten salt system is high but the service life is long, and the maintenance cost of the heat transfer oil is low.

Safety: Molten salt has no risk of combustion, and the heat transfer oil needs to prevent leakage and fire.

Applicability: Intermittent operation with molten salt (thermal storage advantage), continuous operation with thermal oil can be considered.