CSP World

Novatec Solar has unveiled it has begun construction of a 'direct molten salt' (DMS) demonstrator at its demonstration Concentrated Solar Power plant PE 1 in Spain.

This is the first project in Europe to test the use of molten salt as heat transfer fluid in a linear Fresnel collector. Novatec Solar will integrate a molten salt loop in its existing solar thermal plant PE1. The construction and operation of the DMS-Fresnel demonstrator will allow gaining significant experiences and will be the basis for further commercialisation of this technology.

Another research project to use molten salt as working fluid in a linear Fresnel plant is being conducted in the US by Sandia National Laboratories in partnership with Areva Solar.

Novatec Solar has developed a cost efficient Fresnel collector technology based on direct steam generation. In order to develop a storage system for its technology, Novatec Solar has identified molten salt as medium with the greatest potential as storage medium.

Molten salt was first used as a heat storage medium offering a higher performance and lower cost compared to other technologies available so far. Molten salt has been first used as a heat transfer fluid in tower type plants, -Gemasolar- and a couple of projects are testing its use in parabolic trough plants in Italy.

Novatec Solar intends to use molten salt not only as heat storage medium but as heat transfer fluid directly in its linear Fresnel collector (direct molten salt), allowing process temperatures of up to 550°C.

Thermal storage is crucial for solar thermal power generation in order to supply power generation on demand, allowing to further increase the renewable energy share while maintaining grid stability. By integrating DMS technology, the annual operating hours of Novatec Solar’s solar power plants will substantially increase up to base load power plant characteristics. Consequently, the levelised cost of electricity of solar power plants based on DMS technology will be significantly reduced and will strengthen Novatec Solar’s position as leading Fresnel technology provider.

The project will receive a €1.8 million funding from the German Federal Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU).

Novatec Solar is a technology provider and original equipment manufacturer of efficient, low cost direct solar steam generators (solar boilers) based on Fresnel collector technology. Novatec Solar’s solar field technology generates steam with temperatures up to 550°C.

The company undertakes manufacture, supply, turnkey delivery and operation of solar boilers for a range of applications including power stations, desalination plants and industrial processes. It has successfully delivered two commercial power plants in Spain with 1.4 MW and 30 MW and one augmentation plant in Australia providing 9.3 MWth to a coal-fired station.