International Journal of Thermofluids (Nov 2023)
Research Advancement and Potential Prospects of Thermal Energy Storage in Concentrated Solar Power Application
Abstract
Researchers and power plant engineers have all taken an interest in Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) of its capacity to generate large amounts of energy while overcoming the sporadic nature of solar energy. Using CSP as a renewable energy source increases the electrical grid's reliability and has a good impact on the environment and human health. CSP storing energy is a versatile renewable resource that can respond swiftly to demand and system operator demands. Thermal Energy Storage (TES), in combination with CSP, enables power stations to store solar energy and then redistribute electricity as required to adjust for fluctuations in renewable energy output. In this article, the development and potential prospects of different CSP technologies are reviewed and compared with various TES systems. Energy systems benefit significantly from the addition of TES, which not only removes inconsistencies in supply and order but also improves the efficiency and dependability of such systems. Future CSP researchers will benefit from this paper's thorough overview of the technology, its potential prospect, and its research status. The fundamentals of various technologies on energy storage and the computation of their storage capabilities are enlightening. Water tanks, underground, and packed-bed techniques of heat storage are briefly discussed. Given the finite availability and depletion of fossil fuels, as well as the foreign currency spent on imported oil, CSP technology can provide a solution for a future energy source that is both sustainable and affordable. It has been determined if CSP technology can be utilized in developing countries and, if so, which CSP plant would be most suitable. Future policies and instruments to aid in the promotion, development, and long-term usage of CSP technologies may be developed based on the findings of this study.
