Operation maps in calcium looping thermochemical energy storage for concentrating solar power plants

Calcium Looping (CaL) process used as thermochemical energy storage system in concentrating solar plants has been extensively investigated in the last decade and the first large-scale pilot plants are now under construction. Existing research focuses on improving global efficiencies under steady-state and single modes of operation: energy storage or energy retrieval. However, TCES systems will operate under different operation points to adapt the load of its reactors to the solar availability and the energy demand from the power cycle. A thorough analysis of the operation modes provides an extremely large number of potential situations to operate the system. In this study, operation maps which maximize thermal energy availability and energy storage efficiency are defined. Furthermore, a novel approach for the management of partially carbonated solids is examined to reduce the circulation of inert material in the system based on preliminary experimental results which allows for a partial separation of carbonated solids. Two threshold scenarios are analysed: (i) no solids separation as considered in most CaL TCES studies and (ii) ideal total solids separation. The aims of this work are to set methodological criteria to define the optimal operation map and to assess the effect of partially carbonated solids separation on the energy penalties and equipment size. The inclusion of a solid separation stage leads to a maximum increase of energy storage efficiency of 26 % and a size reduction between 53 and 74 % of those heat exchangers affected by solids streams. © 2022 The Authors