Review of Solar Thermal Storage Techniques and Associated Heat Transfer Technologies

Thermal energy storage is a key component of solar power plants if dispatchability is required. On the other hand, although different systems and many materials are available, only a few plants in the world have tested thermal energy storage systems. Here, all materials considered in literature and/or used in real plants are listed, the different systems are described and analyzed, and real experiences are compiled. The associated heat transfer technologies to support and improve these systems are described and analyzed.