The NSTTF boasts the world’s largest molten salt R&D test loop (MSTL), supporting both CSP and industrial processes. Currently, efforts are underway to restart this critical testing infrastructure, further solidifying NSTTF’s role in advancing high-temperature solar and nuclear technologies. MSTL enables testing of molten salt hardware at highflow and high-pressure over a range of temperatures.
Current features and capabilities:
- 3 Test Stands
- 60% NaNO3 / 40% KNO3
- Flow rate: 1.5 m3/min (400 gal/min)
- Salt temperature range: 300 – 585°C (572-1085°F)
- Maximum salt pressure: 40 bar (580 psi)
- Remove up to 1.4MW solar thermal input
MSTL directly supports the U.S. Department of Energy’s SunShot goals by providing development for thermal energy storage costs ≤$15/kWhth and allowing for greater collection efficiencies and higher-temperature operation for linear Fresnel and trough systems through utilization of molten salt HTF. It also provides a means of performing accelerated lifetime testing on components, reducing the risk of the technology.
Many of the lessons learned at this facility will be directly applicable to molten salt systems operating in the SunShot temperature range ≥ 650°C.
