Thermal energy storage using chloride salts and their eutectics

This review paper updates that prior study, adding data for additional salt eutectic systems obtained from the literature. Where possible, data are obtained from the thermodynamic database software, FactSage. Radiative properties are presented, as well, since at higher temperatures, thermal radiation becomes a significant mode of heat transfer. Material compatibility for inorganic salts is another important consideration (e.g., with regard to piping and/or containment), so a summary of corrosion studies with various materials is also presented. Lastly, cost data for these systems are presented, allowing for meaningful comparison among these systems and other materials for TES applications. Because chloride salts may be employed as either sensible heat storage in the molten phase or as sensible and latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) as phase change materials (PCMs), cost of the candidate salt systems are presented on a cost per unit mass basis (sensible heat storage application) and a cost per unit latent heat of fusion basis (latent heat storage application). A total of 133 chloride salt systems were investigated.