Proposal for the development of Chilean LiNO3 as thermal energy storage material for CSP plants

The addition of lithium nitrate could be a replacement alternative to the current molten salts used in CSP technology. The results are promising respect to the melting point where it was found that it is around 124 degrees C (reduction of 96 degrees C compared to solar salt) and a maximum temperature of thermal stability around 596 degrees C. In addition, the proposed ternary mixture would mean an improvement of approximately 16% respect to the heat capacity, and the viscosity has a very similar behavior. Finally, the results of the molten salt pilot plant built at the University of Antofagasta, which consists of a tank with a capacity of one ton, was determined to be possible to work without any inconvenience at a new minimum operating temperature of 190 degrees C, these results were obtained after conducting controlled cooling tests from 400 degrees C to 190 degrees C, and flow tests at 190 degrees C for a period of 200 hours.