High-Temperature Molten Salt Heat Exchanger Technology: Research Advances, Challenges, and Future Perspectives

Chunyang Zheng, Keyong Cheng () and Dongjiang Han
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Chunyang Zheng: Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
Keyong Cheng: Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
Dongjiang Han: Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 12, 1-37

Abstract: Molten salt heat exchangers are pivotal components in advanced energy systems, where their high-temperature stability and efficient heat transfer performance are critical for system reliability. This paper provides a comprehensive review of recent advancements in molten salt heat exchanger technology, focusing on their application in nuclear energy, concentrated solar power, and thermal energy storage systems. Key design considerations, including thermophysical properties of molten salts and operational conditions, are analyzed to highlight performance optimization strategies. The review traces the evolution from traditional shell-and-tube heat exchangers to compact designs like printed circuit heat exchangers, emphasizing improvements in heat transfer efficiency and power density. Challenges such as material corrosion, manufacturing complexities, and flow dynamics are critically examined. Furthermore, future research directions are proposed, including the development of high-performance materials, advanced manufacturing techniques, and optimized geometries. This review aims to consolidate dispersed research findings, address technological bottlenecks, and provide a roadmap for the continued development of molten salt heat exchangers in high-temperature energy systems.

Keywords: low-carbon energy; molten salt; heat exchanger; performance optimization; corrosion; compact design (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: 2025
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