Renewable Energies and Thermal Storage
Advanced design of molten salt storage systems for CSP plants
Specialists in the design of molten salt tanks (MST) with international experience in the main solar thermal plants of South Africa: Kaxu, Xina, Bokpoort, Kathu and Ilanga.
At ADEC Ingeniería, we specialize in the design and calculation of molten salt thermal storage systems for concentrated solar power (CSP) plants and industrial thermal batteries. We apply advanced numerical simulation methodologies (FEA and CFD) combined with analyses according to ASME and API standards, guaranteeing maximum reliability and operational efficiency of the equipment.
Our international experience includes the complete design of salt storage tanks for major concentrated solar power (CSP) plants in South Africa (Kaxu, Xina, Bokpoort, Kathu, Ilanga) and innovative thermal storage systems such as Kyoto's Heatcube. We offer a comprehensive service that covers everything from preliminary mechanical calculations to final construction documentation, including complex structural analyses, thermal simulations, and specialized foundation design.
Specialized services in thermal storage
We combine mechanical analysis according to international standards with advanced numerical simulation (FEA and CFD) to ensure the optimal design of large capacity thermal storage systems.
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MST Tank Design and Calculation
Design and calculation of molten salt storage equipment (Molten Salt Tanks) for CSP plants and thermal batteries. Formula analysis (DBF) with Microprotol/Auto PIPE Vessel according to ASME Section VIII Div. 1 or API-650 code.
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FEA Structural Simulation
Complete structural analysis using Solidworks/Ansys: verification of transport, lifting maneuvers, design conditions, operation, and hydrostatic testing. Calculation of loads on pipes, connection points, and auxiliary structural elements.
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Fatigue and Creep Analysis
Mechanical verification using CFD/FEA simulation with Solidworks/Ansys for critical situations: equipment preheating, first melting of salts, charge/discharge cycles in thermal batteries and operation of dual tanks (hot/cold).
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Thermal Simulation by CFD
CFD analysis of critical phenomena: salt recirculation to prevent freezing, thermal stratification, pressure losses in distribution systems. FEA simulation of thermal losses in building envelope, insulation, and foundations.
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Foundation Design
Numerical simulation using FEA of the structural behavior of foundations for large-capacity tanks. Design of containment elements, anchors, and support systems. Analysis of reactions and load distribution.
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Complete Technical Documentation
Preparation of supporting calculation documents, FEA mechanical reports, CFD studies, and foundation analyses. Preparation of construction drawings: transport, lifting, salt inlet systems, construction details, and foundations.
Reference Projects
- Design and Calculation of Salt Tanks for the Kaxu CSP Plant (Republic of South Africa)
- Design and Calculation of Salt Tanks for CSP Plant in China (Republic of South Africa)
- Design and Calculation of Salt Tanks for CSP Plant Bokpoort (Republic of South Africa)
- Design and Calculation of Salt Tanks for the Kathu CSP Plant (Republic of South Africa)
- Design and Calculation of Salt Tanks for CSP Plant Ilanga (Republic of South Africa)
- Design and Calculation of Salt Tanks for Kyoto Heatcube 1.0 System
- Design and Calculation of Salt Tanks for Kyoto's Heatcube 2.0 System