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Molten Salt / Power Generation Through Solar Towers

As the demand for green energy increases, so too does the demand for alternatives to carbon based power production. One such application is power generation through solar towers. In simple terms, the suns energy is reflected onto a central tower where molten salt is heated to a temperature sufficient to generate steam and ultimately drive a turbine.

On a typical plant, the operation will cycle twice per day through the initial heating and then cooling cycles based on the cycle of the sun. In these applications molten salt is used as a store of heat, so that at night heat is retained within the system for as long as possible.

Historically molten salt has been used in processes for a number of years, Weir supplied their first valve for molten salt in approximately 1970. It is not until relatively recently, however, that the number of new molten salt power projects has resulted in more demand for these types of valves. There are now plans for significant new developments in China, Middle East and South America.

The main processes on a molten salt power plant are shown below.