Salt storage tank

Abstract

The invention belongs to the technical field of molten salt heat storage tanks. In particular, the present invention relates to a molten salt storage tank constructed with a combination of an inorganic or ceramic material and a solidified salt by a structure similar to that used in civil engineering.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of molten salt thermal storage tanks. The present invention particularly relates to a molten salt storage tank constructed by a technique or structure similar to the techniques or structures used in civil engineering, which is constructed by combining inorganic materials or ceramic materials with salts filtered out and solidified from the interior of the tank in the structure. Background Art

[0002] Currently, one of the most common forms of large-capacity energy storage is molten salt storage. These systems are used in concentrated solar power (CSP) plants to store energy during periods of excess solar radiation (peak radiation) and release the energy into the power grid during periods of energy shortage (low or no radiation).

[0003] These systems are based on storing a heat transfer fluid, which is usually composed of a mixture of potassium nitrate (KNO3) and sodium nitrate (NaNO3) or other ternary salts and quaternary salts from these compounds or other compounds, in two insulated steel tanks to reduce heat loss when the salt is stored at different temperatures. The first tank contains molten salt at a temperature of about 565 °C (about 40 °C different from the degradation temperature of the molten salt), and the other tank contains molten salt at a temperature of about 290 °C (about 70 °C higher than the solidification temperature of the salt). During periods of excess energy, the energy is stored in the tank containing the salt at a higher temperature, and during periods of energy shortage, the salt circulates out of this hot tank, through an exchanger supplying the power cycle, to the cold tank. By the time the salt reaches the cold tank, the energy level and temperature of the salt have decreased, and it has been transferred to the power cycle.

[0004] The structural design of the molten salt storage tanks existing in the prior art is carried out according to the API 650 standard, which is applicable to the design of welded storage tanks for oil, water, or chemicals with a pressure lower than 2.5 PSI (1.72 bar). And except for the concrete foundation, its foundation is a cylindrical tank, which consists of an inner tank made of high-quality stainless steel (usually 316, 321, or 347 stainless steel), a heat-insulating intermediate layer for reducing heat loss (about 250 KWth per tank), and a metal cover made of low-quality steel (such as SA570 or Gr70 steel) insulated by the intermediate layer.

[0005] This type of tank has two main drawbacks: durability and limited size and shape.

[0006] The salts used for thermal energy storage, along with the salts, must be stored at high temperatures, making the salts highly corrosive. Therefore, high-quality steel must be used to construct the storage tank. This type of steel makes the manufacturing of the storage tank more expensive, and regular maintenance must also be carried out on it to improve its durability. Although these materials can extend the service life of the storage tank, they are not the ultimate solution to the problem because the highly corrosive environment caused by the salts at high temperatures will cause the steel to degrade until the tank is out of use, even with the necessary maintenance cycles.

[0007] In addition, since the steel is subject to thermal stress and expansion due to temperature changes, this type of tank is limited in size and shape. Its size is limited to a cylinder with a diameter of about 40 m and a height of 15 m, which is not sufficient for large-scale storage applications. When a large amount of energy needs to be stored, several tanks need to be connected in parallel. Because of the number of tanks and the need for more instruments and pumping systems, etc., this arrangement increases the cost of the system.

[0008] The invention proposed in this article solves the problems of the molten salt storage tank existing in the prior art and provides a solution to the above-mentioned defects. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present invention proposes a container for storing molten salt according to claim 1, a container for storing molten salt including molten salt according to claim 2, and an installation method for a container for storing molten salt according to claim 15. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are defined in the dependent claims.

[0010] Throughout the document, salts, multiple salts, or mixtures of multiple salts should be understood to refer to the heat transfer fluid for thermal storage included in the container for storing molten salt of the present invention, which is usually composed of potassium nitrate (KNO3) and sodium nitrate (NaNO3) or mixtures of other ternary salts and quaternary salts from these compounds or other compounds.

[0011] A first aspect of the invention provides a container for storing molten salt, including a container outer periphery, and the container outer periphery includes:

[0012] A plurality of blocks, the plurality of blocks containing at least one solid material, and the plurality of blocks are arranged such that there are intervals therebetween;

[0013] Wherein, the blocks are arranged such that a part of the molten salt can filter out from the inside of the container to the outside through the intervals between the blocks. When the container contains molten salt, due to the temperature difference between the inside and the outside of the container, the molten salt partially solidifies inside the intervals. The molten salt serves as an adhesive substance and the blocks are sealed to each other to form a leak-proof container outer periphery.

[0014] In a first aspect of the invention, a container for storing a high-temperature molten salt includes an outer peripheral portion, the outer peripheral portion including a plurality of blocks of at least one solid material, the plurality of blocks being arranged with spaces therebetween.

[0015] Advantageously, controlling the arrangement and dimensions of the blocks, which can have uniform or irregular sizes and shapes, enables the molten salt to be filtered out, with the molten salt completely or partially occupying the gaps formed by the spaces between the blocks and traveling from the inside of the container to the outside. Once the molten salt solidifies, the salt itself serves as an adhesive substance, thus producing a leak-proof outer peripheral portion of the container.

[0016] The thermal and chemical properties of the salt enable the temperature difference between the inside (highest temperature) and the outside (lowest temperature) of the container to cause the solidification of the salt when the salt travels through the spaces between the blocks to the outside of the outer peripheral portion of the container. Additionally, the volume of the salt decreases as its temperature drops. Advantageously, these two characteristics facilitate the use of the salt as an adhesive and sealing substance for the outer peripheral portion of the container, which remains leak-proof and is configured to contain the remaining molten salt without causing loss of the salt or degradation of the contents protected by the solidified salt, thereby avoiding costs and labor associated with repair and maintenance.

[0017] Furthermore, the container according to an aspect of the present invention is formed by blocks of at least one solid material, the blocks being arranged with spaces that are suitable for filtering out a substance that serves as an adhesive and / or heat-insulating substance for the outer peripheral portion of the container. This substance can be the molten salt itself stored inside the container. Due to the use of this type of material and this construction technique, the salt container is not limited by the shape and size limitations of containers in the prior art, because the material, its arrangement, and the substance for its cohesion can better withstand construction forces in addition to salt corrosion.

[0018] In an embodiment of a container for storing a molten salt, the outer peripheral portion of the container is formed by a single continuous piece including a porous material, the outer peripheral portion including a plurality of blocks and an adhesive or dense substance, which is configured to make the outer peripheral portion of the container continuous and porous (with a controlled porosity).

[0019] In this embodiment, the structure is formed by a continuous piece of porous material having a defined porosity, which can be constant or variable along the length and width of the geometry of the outer peripheral portion, and the structure constitutes the entire wall of the tank.

[0020] Advantageously, in this embodiment, the outer peripheral portion of the container is continuous, and the level and distribution of the porosity can be controlled by the dimensions and arrangement of the blocks and the adhesive or dense substance used in its construction, which enables the filtering of the salt on the wall to be controlled by controlling the porosity of the material.

[0021] A second aspect of the invention provides a container for storing molten salt, comprising molten salt stored therein and an outer peripheral portion of the container, the outer peripheral portion of the container comprising:

[0022] A plurality of blocks, the plurality of blocks comprising at least one solid material, the plurality of blocks being arranged such that there are spaces therebetween;

[0023] Wherein the blocks are arranged such that a portion of the molten salt can filter out from the inside of the container to the outside through the spaces between the blocks, such that the molten salt partially solidifies inside the spaces due to the temperature difference between the inside and the outside of the container, the molten salt serves as an adhesive substance and the blocks are sealed to each other to form a leak - proof outer peripheral portion of the container.

[0024] In the second aspect of the invention, a container for storing high - temperature molten salt comprises an outer peripheral portion, the outer peripheral portion comprising a plurality of blocks of at least one solid material, with spaces arranged between the plurality of blocks, and the container further comprises molten salt therein.

[0025] Advantageously, in addition to comprising molten salt inside the container at the end of the container construction stage, this aspect of the invention also uses control of the arrangement and dimensions of the blocks, which may have uniform or irregular sizes and shapes. In this sense, the inside of the container is filled such that the high - temperature molten salt can be filtered out by the outer peripheral portion of the container, so that once the salt partially solidifies in the gaps of the outer peripheral portion, the structure of the container is completed and a final leak - proof outer peripheral portion is produced.

[0026] The properties of the salt enable it to be used as an adhesive and sealing substance for the outer peripheral portion of the container. The outer peripheral portion is configured to effectively contain the remaining molten salt held therein, and the outer peripheral portion is further protected by the solidified salt, which, due to its physical and chemical properties, combines with the remaining materials (the plurality of blocks of at least one solid material) constituting the outer peripheral portion, enabling the outer peripheral portion not to degrade, thereby preventing costs due to repair and maintenance.

[0027] In an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, a container for storing molten salt comprises an outer peripheral portion formed of a single continuous piece, the outer peripheral portion further comprising a porous material, the porous material comprising a plurality of blocks and an adhesive or dense substance configured to make the outer peripheral portion continuous and porous (with a controlled porosity).

[0028] In this embodiment, the structure is formed of a continuous piece of porous material having a defined porosity, which may be constant or variable along the length and width of the geometry of the outer peripheral portion, and the structure constitutes the entire wall of the tank.

[0029] Advantageously, in this embodiment, the outer peripheral part of the container is continuous, and the level and distribution of its porosity can be controlled by the size and arrangement of the blocks and the size and arrangement of the bonding or densifying substances used in its construction, which enables the control of the salt leaching by controlling the porosity of the outer peripheral part.

[0030] In one embodiment of a container for storing molten salt, the outer peripheral part of the container further comprises:

[0031] One or more construction modules, with spaces arranged between the one or more construction modules, each construction module including a structure configured to maintain the cohesion of the construction module, and each construction module including a plurality of blocks such that spaces are created therebetween;

[0032] Wherein, the blocks are included inside the construction module, and the construction modules constituting the outer peripheral part of the container are arranged such that the molten salt can partially filter out from the inside of the container to the outside through the spaces between the construction modules and the spaces between the blocks, so that when the container contains molten salt, the molten salt partially solidifies inside the spaces due to the temperature difference between the inside and the outside of the container, the salt serves as a bonding substance, and the blocks and the construction modules are sealed to each other to form a leak-proof outer peripheral part of the container.

[0033] In one embodiment, the outer peripheral part of the container includes one or more construction modules, and the one or more construction modules are arranged such that, in addition to the spaces created between the blocks, spaces are also created between the construction modules. Each construction module further includes a structure configured to maintain the cohesion of the construction module, that is, to keep the plurality of blocks included in each construction module attached.

[0034] In addition to the control of the arrangement and size of the blocks, which can have uniform or irregular sizes and shapes, this embodiment is also capable of controlling both the spaces between the blocks inside the construction module and the spaces between the construction modules relative to each other, and these two types of spaces are configured to enable the molten salt to partially filter out from the inside of the container to the outside, such that when the salt filters out through the spaces between the blocks and the spaces between the construction modules, the temperature difference between the inside and the outside of the container causes the salt to solidify.

[0035] Advantageously, this embodiment enables the rapid, simple and inexpensive construction of a modular salt container by stacking the construction modules that will form the final container. In this case, as in the previous embodiment, the limitations in the size, shape and material of the containers used for this purpose in the prior art are also avoided, because this type of construction element contains corrosion-resistant materials. In addition, these constructions are configured to eliminate the excessive stress and load in the containers constructed of the commonly used high-alloy steel.

[0036] In a particular embodiment, the building blocks forming the container can be civil engineering blocks. Due to this type of building block, the outer periphery of the container can be formed in a quick, simple and cost-effective manner, as the blocks have been specifically designed to facilitate construction with these blocks.

[0037] In one embodiment of the container for storing molten salt, the blocks have an irregular shape.

[0038] In this embodiment, the blocks (either alone or included in a building module) forming the outer periphery of the container for storing molten salt have an irregular shape.

[0039] Advantageously, this embodiment enables better filtering of the salt and better fixing of the blocks upon solidification.

[0040] In one embodiment of the container for storing molten salt, the blocks have a regular geometric shape and are adapted to be combined together to produce a uniform layer parallel to the outer periphery of the container, such that the space therebetween is suitable for accommodating thermal insulation material, fluid or dense matter.

[0041] In this embodiment, the blocks (either alone or included in a building module) forming the outer periphery of the container for storing molten salt have a regular shape and are adapted to be combined together so as to (either alone or included in a building module) uniformly form the outer periphery of the container.

[0042] In a particular embodiment, the blocks forming the outer periphery of the container for storing molten salt are cubic or prismatic in shape.

[0043] Advantageously, this embodiment enables the blocks to have a shape that facilitates control of their placement, such that when constructing the outer periphery of the container or a building module including the blocks, it is easier to control their shape and the shape and dimensions of the space between the building module and / or the blocks, thereby enhancing the desired performance of the outer periphery.

[0044] In order to be able to control the shape and dimensions of the space between the blocks and / or building modules included in the outer periphery of the container, the blocks and / or building modules are also arranged with a configuration that holds different types of thermal insulation material, fluid and / or dense matter in said space.

[0045] Advantageously, this embodiment can first control the filtering of the salt so that it can occupy a specific space between the blocks and / or building modules, and second, control the thermal insulation in the outer periphery of the container, thereby controlling the specific solidification location of the salt in the outer periphery of the container.

[0046] Thus, the blocks and / or building modules of the outer periphery can be organized such that the spaces accommodating thermal insulation material, fluid and / or dense matter can be arranged alternately with other spaces accommodating salt, or the salt itself can be used as an adhesive or insulating material.

[0047] In one embodiment of the container for storing molten salt, the blocks are refractory bricks.

[0048] In this embodiment, the blocks included in the outer peripheral portion of the molten salt storage tank or in its structural modules are refractory bricks.

[0049] Advantageously, using refractory bricks as blocks enables all the advantages brought by blocks with regular geometries to be maintained. In addition, due to the thermal properties of refractory bricks, it is possible to increase the control over the thermal variations occurring between the inside and the outside of the outer peripheral portion of the container.

[0050] In one embodiment of the container for storing molten salt, the refractory brick has openings configured to accommodate thermal insulation materials, fluids, or dense substances.

[0051] In this embodiment, the refractory brick includes openings configured to accommodate thermal insulation materials, fluids, or dense substances.

[0052] The advantage of this embodiment is that it increases the control over the composition of the outer peripheral portion of the container, because it increases the surface area that can be filled therein, whether it is to increase the cohesion of the outer peripheral portion itself or the cohesion of the structural modules including the bricks, and to increase the volume or surface area used as thermal insulation substances, thereby controlling the thermal properties of the outer peripheral portion of the container by increasing or decreasing the amount of thermal insulation substance introduced.

[0053] In one embodiment of the container for storing molten salt, the structure is a metal mesh.

[0054] In this embodiment, the structure that maintains the cohesion of the structural modules included in the outer peripheral portion of the container is a mesh made of a metallic material.

[0055] The advantage of this embodiment is that it enables better control and flexibility during the formation of the structural modules, because different shapes can be given to the structural modules, and the blocks can be arranged therein with a specific degree of freedom. It further significantly improves the manufacturing cost.

[0056] This embodiment additionally has the following advantages: the blocks have higher permeability to fluids, thermal insulation substances, and / or dense substances, or the molten salt passes through the structural modules with a greater degree of freedom, so that the outer peripheral portion can be formed by combining several structural modules in the horizontal direction to increase the width of the outer peripheral portion of the container.

[0057] In a specific embodiment, the structural modules included in the outer peripheral portion of the container are gabions.

[0058] In one embodiment of the container for storing molten salt, the structure includes blocks arranged such that they form the outer peripheral portion of the structural module to accommodate the remaining blocks of the structure.

[0059] In this embodiment, the construction module forming the container further includes an outer peripheral portion formed by blocks of the same type as the blocks included inside the construction module. The blocks are configured to shape the construction module and maintain the cohesion of the construction module, serve as its outer peripheral portion, and hold the blocks required to support the construction module inside the construction module.

[0060] Advantageously, for constructing the blocks, this embodiment does not require materials other than the blocks themselves, which helps to reduce costs and facilitate their construction.

[0061] In one embodiment of a container for storing molten salt, at least one solid material contained in the blocks is an inorganic material, ceramic, solidified salt, gravel, limestone, or refractory material.

[0062] In this embodiment, the outer peripheral portion of the salt storage tank and / or the blocks included on the construction module contain at least one solid material, which may be an inorganic material, ceramic, solidified salt, gravel, limestone, or refractory material.

[0063] Advantageously, the chemical properties of these materials make them corrosion-resistant and suitable for use in constructing a container for storing molten salt together with a type of adhesive substance, dense substance, and / or heat-insulating substance. This improves the structural strength of the container and reduces the costs of maintenance, repair, and material replacement.

[0064] Furthermore, this type of construction is more resistant to the forces exerted on the structure of the container for storing molten salt.

[0065] In one embodiment of a container for storing molten salt, the outer peripheral portion includes multiple layers of blocks or construction modules, which are arranged such that there is a space therebetween, and the space is configured to accommodate a heat-insulating material, fluid, or dense substance.

[0066] In this embodiment, the outer peripheral portion of the container includes multiple layers formed by the blocks and / or construction modules forming the outer peripheral portion of the container, and the multiple layers are configured such that there is a space between the layers where a heat-insulating material, fluid, or dense substance can be introduced.

[0067] Advantageously, this configuration of the blocks and / or construction modules on the outer peripheral portion of the container can even better control its performance, by controlling the materials introduced through the layers and calculating under its thermal and chemical properties to achieve the desired effect on the molten salt contained in the container.

[0068] In one embodiment of a container for storing molten salt, the heat-insulating material or fluid contains materials selected from the following list: air, sand, salt, a mixture of salts, mortar, or a combination of the above materials, and the dense substance contains materials selected from the following list: sand, salt, a mixture of salts, mortar, or a combination of the above materials.

[0069] In this embodiment, a heat-insulating material, a fluid, and / or a dense substance that may include air, sand, salt, a mixture of salts, mortar, or a combination of the above materials may be introduced into the space between the construction modules, blocks, or layers.

[0070] Advantageously, this embodiment enables control of the composition of the materials or substances / fluids introduced into the space between the blocks, construction modules, and / or layers to better control their chemical and thermal properties.

[0071] In one embodiment of a container for storing molten salt, the container includes a detachable cover or lid configured not to contact the contents of the container, and the cover or lid comprises a material different from the remaining components constituting the outer periphery of the container.

[0072] In this embodiment, the container includes more than one detachable cover or lid configured not to contact the contents of the container (i.e., the molten salt). Since the cover or lid does not contact the salt, in addition to not needing to bear the weight of the structure, the cover or lid does not need to be corrosion-resistant. For this reason, the cover or lid may comprise a material different from the material contained in the outer periphery of the container.

[0073] Advantageously, this embodiment allows access to the interior of the outer periphery of the container, for example, to introduce and / or extract a portion of the contents, perform maintenance tasks, etc. In addition, since the cover or lid can be made of a material with lower structural and corrosion resistance, and since the cover or lid does not contact the salt or bear the forces applied to the structure, a more cost-effective material that can reduce the total cost of the container can be used.

[0074] In a particular embodiment, the cover or lid is formed of a single piece.

[0075] In a particular embodiment, the cover or lid is formed of multiple pieces.

[0076] In one embodiment of a container for storing molten salt, the upper part of the outer periphery of the container includes a non-insulating material.

[0077] In this embodiment, the outer periphery of the container includes a detachable cover or lid containing a non-insulating material.

[0078] Advantageously, since the cover or lid does not need to be configured to withstand contact with corrosive substances or bear the forces of the structure, this embodiment helps to reduce the manufacturing cost.

[0079] A third aspect of the invention provides a method of installing a container for storing molten salt according to any embodiment of the first or second aspect of the invention, wherein the container is located underground or semi-underground.

[0080] In the aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for installing a container for storing molten salt, wherein the outer peripheral portion of the container is located underground or semi-underground.

[0081] Compared with a conventional tank, this installation form of the container provides three technical advantages. First, it increases safety because if the molten salt leaks, it will be contained in the gap or cavity where the container is set underground or semi-underground. Second, it improves the firmness and durability of the structure because the outer peripheral portion of the container will be reinforced by the foundation of the wall having a cavity (wherein the container is set underground), and thus, since the material constituting the open wall is inert, in addition to being corrosion-resistant, it also increases its resistance to the forces borne by the structure. Finally, it reduces the manufacturing cost of the container and can save bonding materials and / or dense materials because part of the cohesion will be generated by the pressure of the outer periphery of the opening included in the container.

[0082] In an embodiment of the method for installing a container for storing molten salt, the outer peripheral portion is at least partially formed by the wall of a cavity where the container is located underground or semi-underground.

[0083] In this embodiment, the outer peripheral portion of the container is at least partially constituted by the wall of a cavity, wherein the cavity is located underground or semi-underground.

[0084] Advantageously, in addition to increasing the durability and firmness of the outer peripheral portion of the container, this embodiment can also save costs in terms of construction materials (blocks, construction modules, bonding substances, dense substances, heat-insulating substances, etc.) because the chemical properties and structural properties of the inert material of the wall constituting the cavity can maintain the thermal characteristics and structural characteristics of the container. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0085] These features and advantages of the present invention, as well as other features and advantages, will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, which are given by way of illustrative and non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0086] Figure 1 : This figure shows an embodiment of the container for storing molten salt according to the first aspect of the invention;

[0087] Figure 2 : This figure shows an embodiment of the container for storing molten salt in which the blocks have irregular shapes, the modules have different sizes, and the structure is a metal mesh.

[0088] Figure 3 : This figure shows a specific embodiment in which the modules forming the geometric shape of the outer peripheral portion of the container are combined together to form a layer parallel to the outer peripheral portion.

[0089] Figure 4: This figure shows an embodiment of a semi-underground container for storing molten salt, which includes a cover or lid.

[0090] Figure 5 : This figure shows an embodiment of a molten salt container according to an embodiment of the present invention, which includes an outer peripheral portion formed by a single piece and a cover or lid. Detailed Description

[0091] Figure 1 An illustrative embodiment of a container (1) for storing molten salt (2) according to a first aspect of the invention is shown, wherein the container (1) for storing molten salt (2) includes an outer peripheral portion (3) formed by a plurality of blocks (4) of at least one solid material. The plurality of blocks (4) are arranged such that there are intervals (9) therebetween, and the plurality of blocks (4) are configured to make the outer peripheral portion (3) porous, that is, the molten salt (2) is at least partially filtered out by the outer peripheral portion (3). The filtered salt solidifies due to temperature changes, and the temperature is lower outside the outer peripheral portion (3). The filtered salt fills the porous intervals (9) and finally forms the outer peripheral portion (3) of the leak-proof container. Figure 1 The arrow on the right indicates the molten salt (2) accommodated inside the container (1) and its path from the inside to the outside of the container (1). A part of the salt is filtered out by the intervals (9) of the porous part forming the outer peripheral portion (3) of the container (1). The length of the arrow represents the pressure exerted by the salt, and this pressure increases proportionally with the depth of the container.

[0092] In this example, the outer peripheral portion (3) of the container (1) is constructed as a single piece formed by a cluster of blocks (4). The size and shape of the blocks (4) can be variable, and the blocks (4) can be attached to other substances forming the porous outer peripheral portion (3). The porous outer peripheral portion (3) is conducive to filtering the molten salt (2) stored in the container (1) from the inside to the outside, where the molten salt (2) will solidify due to the temperature change existing between the inside and the outside of the container (1).

[0093] In this embodiment, a concrete-like substance is used to form the outer peripheral portion (3). In this substance, medium-sized stones and other binding substances that configure it with intervals (9) are used as the blocks (4).

[0094] In other embodiments, the blocks (4) used can be of other sizes, including from very small stones to rocks or other dense blocks (4) formed by at least one solid material, and the at least one solid material can be mixed with other binding substances forming the porous outer peripheral portion (3) of the container (1).

[0095] Using a container (1) for storing molten salt (2) constructed with this type of block (4) and construction material can eliminate the limitations on the size and shape of the container in the prior art, because due to the physical properties of the block (4) and the construction material and the way it is constructed, it is given a higher load-bearing capacity, enabling it to withstand the forces experienced by this type of structure. In addition, the chemical properties of the materials used enable it to be naturally more resistant to corrosion caused by molten salt, preventing the structure from deteriorating with use. Since these materials are more cost-effective, the manufacturing cost as well as the container maintenance and repair costs are significantly reduced.

[0096] Figure 2 An embodiment of a container (1) for storing molten salt (2) is shown. In Figure 2 a vertical cross-section of the outer peripheral portion (3) of the container can be observed. The outer peripheral portion (3) of the container includes a number of modules (5) of different sizes, and these modules (5) in turn include a structure (6). In this example, the structure (6) is formed by a wire mesh and a plurality of blocks (4) of irregular shape, and the plurality of blocks (4) are accommodated by the wire mesh.

[0097] In Figure 2 similar to Figure 1 but this time on the left side of the figure, a set of arrows can be observed. The set of arrows indicates the molten salt (2) accommodated inside the container (1) and its path from the inside to the outside of the container (1). A part of the salt is filtered out by the spaces (9) of the porous part forming the outer peripheral portion (3) of the container (1). The length of the arrows represents the pressure exerted by the salt, and this pressure increases proportionally with the depth of the container.

[0098] In this embodiment, the outer peripheral portion (3) of the container is formed by modules (2) having a geometric shape. The modules (2) are arranged stacked on top of each other and adjacent to each other, thus forming the sides of the outer peripheral portion (3) of the container (1). The modules (5) are arranged to create spaces (10) therebetween. The spaces (10) are configured to hold thermal insulation materials, fluids, or dense substances. The spaces (10) can not only make it leak-proof and improve its thermal insulation but also keep the outer peripheral portion (3) assembled. The spaces (10) can be filled during the construction of the container (1), or remain empty until the container is put into operation, so that the molten salt (2) itself filters out from the inside, fills the spaces (10), and then becomes a part of the outer peripheral portion (3) of the container (1), where the molten salt will act as a thermal insulation material and a dense substance.

[0099] In this embodiment, the module (5) constituting the outer peripheral part (3) of the container (1) is kept adhered by a wire mesh forming structure (6) in which a plurality of blocks (4) are held. This structure (6) maintains the shape and distribution of the modules (5) of the outer peripheral part (3) of the container (1), while facilitating the filtration of heat-insulating substances and / or dense substances or fluids through the modules (5). This is an additional simple and low-cost solution that helps to reduce the manufacturing cost of the container (1) for storing molten salt (2).

[0100] Each module (5) includes a plurality of blocks (4), with a gap (9) arranged between the blocks (4), and the gap (9) is configured to be able to filter out heat-insulating substances and / or dense substances and / or fluids. The blocks (4) are kept accommodated by the wire mesh structure (6), and the wire mesh structure (6) maintains the adhesion of the components. The blocks (4) are formed of at least one solid, preferably formed of an inert material (such as gravel, limestone) or a refractory material, and the blocks (4) have an irregular shape.

[0101] Advantageously, the composition of the blocks (4) is beneficial to the robustness of the container (1), because in addition to increasing its resistance to corrosion caused by the molten salt (2) held in the container, the inert material also exhibits high resistance to the forces borne by the structure of the container (1). This helps to reduce the manufacturing cost, repair cost and maintenance cost. In addition, the irregular shape of the blocks (4) in this embodiment is beneficial to configuring the gap (9) to filter out the heat-insulating fluid and / or dense fluid introduced during construction, or to filter out the molten salt (2) itself from inside the container (1) after startup. The molten salt (2) will fill the gap (9), keeping the outer peripheral part (3) of the container (1) attached, leak-proof and thermally insulated from the outside. Additionally, the nature of the salt (2) means that when the salt filters out from the inside of the container (1) at a higher temperature towards the outside at a lower temperature through the gap (9) between the blocks (4) and the gap (10) between the modules (5), the salt solidifies, thereby enhancing the heat insulation and density of the outer peripheral part (3) of the container (1).

[0102] Furthermore, both the materials and techniques used can make the container (1) more robust, because compared with the case where the materials used in its construction are conventional high-alloy steels in the prior art, these materials and their construction forms enable the outer peripheral part (3) to withstand a greater amount of loads caused by forces and structural stresses. Advantageously, these characteristics can provide greater design freedom for the container (1), because it is more robust, which can avoid the limitations in size and shape of conventional containers.

[0103] Finally, the construction materials and techniques used in this embodiment of the container (1) for storing the molten salt (2) enable the reduction of manufacturing costs because these materials are cheaper and easier to handle. For example, by stacking inert materials attached via an adhesive substance instead of performing complex welding in high-alloy steel. Additionally, the inert materials are well-suited for this task because their chemical properties confer high corrosion resistance, thus extending the service life of the container, making it safer and avoiding maintenance and repair costs.

[0104] Figure 3 An embodiment of the outer periphery (3) of the container of the module (5) including a plurality of layers (12) is shown, the plurality of layers being arranged such that an interval (11) is formed therebetween, the interval (11) being configured to accommodate a heat-insulating material, a fluid, or a dense substance.

[0105] Specifically, this embodiment includes a module (5) having three layers (12) with a geometry, the three layers being arranged such that an interval (10) is created therebetween, the interval (10) being configured to accommodate a heat-insulating material or a fluid and / or a dense substance. For example, such that when the container (1) is operating, the interval (10) can be filled by the filtration of the molten salt (2).

[0106] In this case, for the sake of simplicity of illustration, the module (5) has been represented as a solid piece, but it can include a plurality of blocks (4) according to any embodiment of the present invention.

[0107] In this embodiment, the module (5) is arranged uniformly such that each layer (12) and each interval (11) are horizontally parallel to the outer periphery (3) of the container and equal to each other. In other embodiments, the arrangement of the blocks (4) and / or the module (5) can be selected to produce layers (12) and intervals (9, 10, 11) having a specific shape and specific dimensions that improve the performance of the container (1).

[0108] At the outermost part of the outer periphery (3) of the container, there is a final thinner layer formed by the blocks (4) and / or the module (5), which is configured to seal the entire outer surface of the outer periphery (3) of the container in a leak-proof manner. This last layer is arranged as a safety measure such that if a material leak occurs, this layer will prevent the material from leaking.

[0109] The spacing (11) is configured to create regions that enhance the thermal insulation between the interior and exterior of the container (1) in terms of temperature and tightness. In addition to acting as an adhesive substance, these layers (12) also enhance the ability of the container (1) to maintain the temperature difference between the interior and exterior of the container (1), and also serve as a dense substance. Due to these spacings (11), the design of the outer periphery (3) of the container can be configured in different ways to control the filtration of the molten salt (2), such that the salt solidifies at specific positions across the width of the outer periphery (3).

[0110] Advantageously, the configuration of the layers (12) similar to those of the Figure 3 embodiment enables the designer of the container (1) to maintain a wider control over its properties, modifying the number, material, and width of the layers (12) and the spacings (11), and replacing them as needed to achieve the desired properties. Combinations of different thermal insulation materials, fluids, or dense substances accommodated in the spacings (9, 10, 11) can also be used to achieve different melting points of the molten salt (2) as it filters through the spacings (9, 10, 11) towards the exterior of the container (1).

[0111] Figure 4 Shown is the container (1) after installation according to the third inventive aspect, wherein the container (1) according to an embodiment of the invention is located entirely or partially in a subterranean cavity (8) underground. In this embodiment, the container (1) also has a cover or lid (7) made of a non-insulating material, as the cover or lid (7) does not come into contact with the molten salt (2) inside the container.

[0112] In Figure 4 the embodiment of the third inventive aspect of the container (1) in

[0113] the outer periphery (3) of the container is formed by modules (5) including blocks (4), and also by the wall of the cavity (8), where the container is semi-subterranean in the cavity (8).

[0114] Figure 5 Shown is an embodiment of the invention in which the container (1) for storing molten salt (3) includes a continuous single-piece outer periphery (3) that includes a plurality of small-sized blocks (4) and thermal insulation materials, fluids, and / or adhesive substances arranged in the spaces between the blocks (4), thereby creating a porous outer periphery with a controlled porosity.

[0115] In other embodiments, the block (4) may have different shapes and dimensions, which contribute to controlling the porosity of the peripheral portion (3), which is the result of the design planning of the peripheral portion (3), the design planning of the peripheral portion (3) including the arrangement, size and shape of the block (4) to organize the porosity in the structure of the peripheral portion (3), the porosity being uniform or variable in different parts of the peripheral portion (3). The porosity enables the molten salt (3) to filter out completely or partially, occupy the gaps formed by the intervals between the blocks, travel from the inside to the outside of the container (1), solidify the salt itself (or the thermal insulation material, fluid or dense substance used), and produce a leak-proof peripheral portion (3) of the container.

[0116] In addition, in Figure 5 the embodiment shown, it can also be observed that the container (1) includes a detachable cover or lid (7) capable of accessing the inside of the container (1).

Claims

1. A container (1) for storing molten salt (2), comprising a container outer peripheral part (3), and the container outer peripheral part (3) comprises: A plurality of blocks (4), the plurality of blocks (4) containing at least one solid material, and the plurality of blocks (4) being arranged such that there is a gap (9) between the plurality of blocks (4); Wherein, the blocks (4) are arranged such that a part of the molten salt (2) can filter out from the inside of the container (1) to the outside through the gap (9) between the blocks (4), so that when the container (1) contains molten salt (2), the molten salt (2) partially solidifies inside the gap (9) due to the temperature difference between the inside and the outside of the container (1), the molten salt serves as an adhesive substance and the blocks are sealed to each other to form a leak-proof container outer peripheral part (3).

2. A container (1) for storing molten salt (2), comprising molten salt (2) stored in the container (1) and a container outer peripheral part (3), and the container outer peripheral part (3) comprises: A plurality of blocks (4), the plurality of blocks (4) containing at least one solid material, and the plurality of blocks (4) being arranged such that there is a gap (9) between the plurality of blocks (4); Wherein, the blocks (4) are arranged such that a part of the molten salt (2) can filter out from the inside of the container (1) to the outside through the gap (9) between the blocks (4), so that the molten salt (2) partially solidifies inside the gap (9) due to the temperature difference between the inside and the outside of the container (1), the molten salt (2) serves as an adhesive substance and the blocks are sealed to each other to form a leak-proof container outer peripheral part (3).

3. The container (1) for storing molten salt (2) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The container outer peripheral part (3) further comprises: One or more structural modules (5), the one or more structural modules (5) being arranged to have a gap (10) between the structural modules (5), each structural module (5) including a structure (6) configured to maintain the cohesion of the structural module (5), and each structural module (5) including a plurality of blocks (4) such that a gap (9) is generated between the plurality of blocks (4); Wherein, the plurality of blocks (4) are included inside the structural module (5), and the structural module (5) constituting the container outer peripheral part (3) is arranged such that the molten salt (2) can partially filter out from the inside of the container to the outside through the gap (10) between the structural modules (5) and the gap (9) between the blocks (4), so that when the container (1) contains molten salt (2), the molten salt (2) partially solidifies inside the gaps (9, 10) due to the temperature difference between the inside and the outside of the container (1), the molten salt (2) serves as an adhesive substance, and the blocks (4) and the structural modules (5) are sealed to each other to form a leak-proof container outer peripheral part (3).

4. The container (1) for storing molten salt (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The blocks (4) have an irregular shape.

5. The container (1) for storing molten salt (2) according to any one of claims 1 - 3, wherein, The block (4) has a regular geometric shape and is adapted to be combined together so as to produce a uniform layer (12) on the outer peripheral part (3) of the container, such that the space (10) between the layers is adapted to accommodate a heat-insulating material, a fluid or a dense substance.

6. The container (1) for storing molten salt (2) according to any one of claims 1 - 3 and 5, wherein, The block (4) is a refractory brick.

7. The container (1) for storing molten salt (2) according to claim 6, wherein, The refractory brick has openings which are configured to accommodate a heat-insulating material, a fluid or a dense substance.

8. The container (1) for storing molten salt (2) according to claim 3, wherein, The structure (6) is a wire mesh.

9. The container (1) for storing molten salt (2) according to claim 3, wherein, The structure (6) includes blocks (4) which are arranged such that the blocks (4) form the outer peripheral part (5.1) of the construction module (5) to accommodate the remaining blocks (4) of the construction module (5).

10. The container (1) for storing molten salt (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one solid material contained in the block (4) is an inorganic material, a ceramic, a solidified salt, gravel, limestone or a refractory material.

11. The container (1) for storing molten salt (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The outer peripheral part (3) includes a plurality of layers (12) of blocks (4) or construction modules (5), the plurality of layers (12) being arranged such that a space (11) exists between the plurality of layers (12), the space (11) being configured to accommodate a heat-insulating material, a fluid or a dense substance.

12. The container (1) for storing molten salt (2) according to any one of claims 5 to 11, wherein, The heat-insulating material or the fluid contains a material selected from the following list: air, sand, salt, a mixture of salts, mortar or a combination of the above materials, and the dense substance contains a material selected from the following list: sand, salt, a mixture of salts, mortar or a combination of the above materials.

13. A container (1) for storing molten salt (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The container (1) includes a detachable cover or lid (7) which is configured not to contact the content of the container (1), the cover or lid (7) containing a material different from the remaining components constituting the outer peripheral part (3) of the container.

14. The container (1) for storing molten salt (2) according to claim 13, wherein, The detachable cover or lid (7) of the container (1) contains a non-heat-insulating material.

15. A method for installing a container (1) for storing molten salt (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The container (1) is located underground or semi-underground.

16. A method for installing a container (1) for storing molten salt (2) according to claim 15, wherein, The outer peripheral part (3) of the container is at least partially formed by the wall of a cavity (8) in which the container (1) is located underground or semi-underground.

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