Thermal properties of ternary carbonate/T-ZnOw for thermal energy storage in high-temperature concentrating solar power systems

Ternary carbonate of Li2CO3-Na2CO3-K2CO3 used as thermal energy systems for concentrating solar power plants is originally modified by tetra-needle like ZnO whiskers via solution-evaporation method with objective of enhancing thermal properties for high-temperature heat transfer. Results demonstrated that enhancement of T-ZnOw on the thermal properties of ternary carbonate is mainly reflected on the improvement of thermal conductivity. Enhancement of thermal conductivity is directly related to the microstructure of T-ZnOw and the largest value is 4.483 W/(m⋅°C). Enhancement of specific heat is closely associated with specific surface area of T-ZnOw and the maximum is 1.357 J/(g⋅°C) for solid and 1.665 J/(g⋅°C) for liquid. In addition, there is no significant changes in melting point, specific heat and thermal conductivity after 30 melting/freezing circles. It can be speculated that prepared composites with superior thermal storage capacity and cyclic stability will exhibit extensive potential in concentrating solar power plants.