The Swedish company stated that its new product is designed for use in compact molten salt energy storage applications, possibly in combination with PV energy. In its standard configuration, it is said to withstand temperatures up to 400 C and pressures up to 60 bar.
Swedish heat exchanger manufacturer Alfa Laval has introduced a new ‘once-through steam generator’ (OTSG) designed for modular thermal energy storage systems. The single-pass steam boiler is intended for use in compact, molten salt-based energy storage applications.
“This OTSG, when integrated with an energy storage solution, is perfectly suited for photovoltaics as it can handle the daily cycle,” a company spokesperson said. pv magazine. “Its compact design makes it ideal for modular thermal energy storage systems with small to medium capacities from 2 MW to 10 MW. One of its distinguishing features is the ability to operate at very low loads during start-up.”
The flow steam generator is made of carbon steel, although other materials are available upon request. In its standard configuration, it is said to withstand temperatures up to 400 C and pressures up to 60 bar. A 2.5 MW unit has an outside diameter of 0.6 m and a length of 6.5 m, while a 10 MW unit has a diameter of 1.3 m for the same length.
The system consists of a pressure shell containing a spiral beam. The feed water enters at the bottom and flows up through the coil, where it is successively preheated, evaporated and superheated, producing saturated or superheated steam at the outlet.
The heating medium – usually molten salt or thermal oil – flows in the opposite direction on the shell side, ensuring efficient countercurrent heat transfer. The spiral coil design provides a large heat transfer surface area within a compact footprint and accommodates thermal expansion, reducing mechanical stress and improving fatigue resistance.
“The system combines the functions of an economizer, evaporator, superheater and steam drum in a single, fully integrated housing, delivering high thermal performance, excellent reliability and a minimal installation footprint,” the company said. “It also features an integrated water separation and recirculation system that enables stable operation at just 5% load. This minimizes delay volume, shortens response times and improves overall system flexibility.”
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