Optimizing thermal energy storage operation

Thermal energy storage systems are usually attached to solar power plants to extend their operation beyond sunshine periods. Solar heat collected during the day is divided between a power block and a properly-sized thermal energy storage system. The stored heat is later released to be processed by the power block during periods of little or no solar resource. An operating scheme for a dual-tank molten salt thermal energy storage system was developed. The scheme can be used to optimize charging and discharging processes of a thermal energy storage system to maximize power generation or revenue.