An Overview of the Molten Salt Nanofluids as Thermal Energy Storage Media

José Pereira (), Ana Moita and António Moreira
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José Pereira: IN+ Center for Innovation, Technology and Policy Research, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
Ana Moita: IN+ Center for Innovation, Technology and Policy Research, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
António Moreira: IN+ Center for Innovation, Technology and Policy Research, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 4, 1-51

Abstract: The research in the field of the nanofluids has experienced noticeable advances since its discovery two decades ago. These thermal fluids having minimal quantities of nano-scaled solid particles in suspension have great potential for thermal management purposes because of their superior thermophysical properties. The conventional water-based nanofluids have been extensively investigated so far with emphasis in their improved thermal conductivity. A novel class of nanofluids based on inorganic salts has been developed in the last few years with the goal of storing and transferring thermal energy under high temperatures. These molten salt-based nanofluids can in general be recognized by an enhanced specific heat due to the inclusion of the nanoparticles. However, it should be emphasized that this does not always happen since this thermophysical property depends on so many factors, including the nature of the molten salts, different preparation methods, and formation of the compressed layer and secondary nanostructures, among others, which will be thoroughly discussed in this work. This peculiar performance has caused a widespread open debate within the research community, which is currently trying to deal with the inconsistent and controversial findings, as well as attempting to overcome the lack of accurate theories and prediction models for the nanofluids in general. This review intends to present an extensive survey of the published scientific articles on the molten salt nanofluids. Other important realities concerning the development and thermal behavior of the molten salt nanofluids, such as the stability over time of the nanoparticles dispersed in the molten salts, latent heat, viscosity, and thermal conductivity, will be reviewed in the current work. Additionally, special focus will be given to concentrated solar power technology applications. Finally, the limitations and prospects of the molten salts nanofluids will be addressed and the main concluding remarks will be listed.

Keywords: nanofluids; molten salts; thermal energy storage; concentrated solar power (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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