Partnership to optimise molten salt tank performance on CSP project

Vast Solar has announced a partnership with Contratos y Diseños Industriales (CYD) as it advances VS1, its 30 MW/288 MWh concentrated solar thermal power (CSP) project in Port Augusta, South Australia.

VS1 is designed to generate clean, low-cost, dispatchable power with over 8 hours of thermal energy storage. It will be Vast’s first utility-scale project, and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has approved up to $65 million in funding for the project.

Vast and CYD have co-developed Flexitank, which is the subject of a pending patent application. CYD is now working with Vast on early design work on VS1 and is using an Avatar Model to simulate the construction and operation of the thermal energy storage tanks that contain molten salt at high temperatures. This has the potential to enhance the performance of molten salt storage tanks once operational.

The Avatar Model concept, developed by the CYD team, uses a virtual model that aims to create the exact dimensions of VS1’s thermal energy storage system, and allows for testing and simulation under different conditions. This helps to identify and mitigate any problems, while optimising design and performance of the tanks before they are manufactured and installed.

“Our collaboration with Vast is breaking new ground in the CSP industry. The Avatar Model has been developed using the extensive experience in the design and construction of molten salt tank technology amongst the Vast and CYD teams, supported by other leading companies and institutions. It provides an opportunity to implement learnings at an early stage to ensure the optimal performance of thermal energy storage systems,” said Sergio Dávila, CYD.

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