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Thermal energy storage solutions for off-grid solar thermal power plant application: a review

Research Output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding Conference contribution Peer-review

Sustainable Development Goals

  • SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy
    SDG 7 Affordable and Clean Energy

Abstract

The role of thermal energy storage (TES) is critical in addressing the intermittency of solar energy, enabling continuous power generation in solar thermal power plants. The present paper TES options for a 20 kWe Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC)-based solar thermal power plant that is to be commissioned in Sri Lanka developed under the Innovate UK project RESORCS (Off-Grid Renewable Energy Production and Storage). The study explores sensible heat, latent heat, and thermochemical storage technologies, with a focus on commercially available options such as molten salts, water-based systems, and phase change materials (PCMs). HiTEC salt and Na-Li nitrate eutectic salts are optimal TES solutions for low- to medium-temperature applications, offering low melting points, high specific heat capacities, and robust energy densities. Performance analysis at 200 °C and 220 °C confirms their thermal stability and efficiency. Preliminary calculations support 24-hour plant operation but emphasize the need for further modeling to account for system thermal losses. This analysis provides a framework for selecting an efficient, cost-effective TES medium to ensure reliable off-grid energy production with an ORC system.

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding Conference contribution Peer-review

Original language

English

Pages from-to (Number of pages)

Pages 187-199 (13 pages)

Publication milestones

  • Published - 20/10/2025

Publication status

Published - 20/10/2025

Publisher

Springer Nature, Germany, United States, Switzerland, China, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Singapore

Publication series

  • Publication series name: Green Energy and Technology
    ISSN (Print): 1865-3529
    ISSN (Electronic): 1865-3537

ISBN (Print)

9783031993114

External Publication IDs

  • handle.net: 10547/626736
  • Scopus: 105040369600

Host publication title

Clean Energy Research - Now and in the Future

Host publication editors

  • Lin Chen

Access to documents

author's accepted version
Accepted author manuscript, 701.87 KB
Access to file: Embargo ends 20/10/2026

Link