Advancements in Energy Storage: Molten Salt Thermal Energy Storage for Coal-Fired Power Plants

Researchers in Xi'an, People's Republic of China, have made significant breakthroughs in energy storage, developing a molten salt thermal energy storage system that enhances peak-shaving capabilities and flexibility for coal-fired power plants. The system, proposed by Xi'an Jiaotong University, integrates steam and flue gas stepwise/staged heating, allowing for adjustments in thermal load distribution ratios to achieve improved energy storage density, denitration efficiency, and charging exergy loss.

Key Takeaways:

• The proposed system features a stepwise configuration that achieves an average energy storage density 2.53 kWh/m3 greater than the staged configuration.
• The stepwise configuration demonstrates a 3.82 % improvement in average denitration efficiency and a 1.28 MW reduction in average charging exergy loss compared to the staged configuration.
• Economic analysis reveals that the integrated system performs best when the molten salt thermal load distribution ratio is minimized, resulting in a 9.3 % lower life cycle cost, a 9 % lower equivalence levelized cost of electricity, and a 9.5 % lower equivalence levelized cost of thermal storage compared to the staged configuration.
• The design and performance comparison of the stepwise and staged molten salt thermal storage systems integrated within a coal-fired power plant was conducted by researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong University, with support from the National Key Research & Development Program of China.
• The study provides a comprehensive analysis of the thermodynamic and economic performance of the two configurations under different thermal load distribution ratios.

Statistics:

• 2.53 kWh/m3: average energy storage density achieved by the stepwise configuration.
• 3.82 %: improvement in average denitration efficiency achieved by the stepwise configuration.
• 1.28 MW: reduction in average charging exergy loss achieved by the stepwise configuration.
• 9.3 %: lower life cycle cost achieved by the stepwise configuration.
• 9 %: lower equivalence levelized cost of electricity achieved by the stepwise configuration.
• 9.5 %: lower equivalence levelized cost of thermal storage achieved by the stepwise configuration.

Sources:

• VerticalNews, "Researchers detail new data in Energy - Energy Storage" (2025 SEP 5)
• Energy Weekly News, "Study Data from Xi'an Jiaotong University Update Understanding of Energy Storage (Design and Performance Comparison of Stepwise and Staged Molten Salt Thermal Storage Systems Integrated Within a Coal-fired Power Plant)" (2025 SEP 5)
• Journal of Energy Storage, "Design and Performance Comparison of Stepwise and Staged Molten Salt Thermal Storage Systems Integrated Within a Coal-fired Power Plant" (2025; 131)