Third Life
Innovative technologies for the energy transition
DLR is conducting research into high-performance and highly efficient heat storage systems. One potential storage medium is molten salt. Under the motto 'Third Life for Power Plants', DLR is exploring ways to convert existing conventional coal-fired power plants into heat storage power plants. As a pioneer in the field, DLR is advancing research on concentrating solar thermal power plants, which have the advantage of generating electricity at night or in cloudy conditions – making them a valuable addition to photovoltaic systems.
The energy system of the future can only become low-CO2 and, in the long term, carbon-neutral if the energy supply is guaranteed at all times. Unlike conventional power plants that produce a stable supply of energy through the constant combustion of fossil fuels, energy from the Sun and wind fluctuates significantly. A system that relies exclusively on renewable energy sources would experience gaps in energy supply –depending on the weather, time of day and season – as well as an oversupply that would remain unutilised.
To counteract these fluctuations and ensure an uninterrupted energy supply, variable energy generation must be stored so that peaks in electricity production during periods of strong solar radiation and high winds can be utilised effectively. This is why research into new and efficient storage technologies plays a key role alongside technical developments for sustainably generated electricity.
The CentRec receiver concept works with ceramic particles as an additional heat storage medium. These are cost-effective, can withstand very high temperatures and are relatively easy to handle.
