Thermal storage of sensible heat using concrete modules in solar power plants

Guidelines for designing a concrete storage module and for its integration into a solar plant, respecting constraints linked both to an adequate solar field operation and to the production system based on ORC, are described. A series of simplified procedures are developed to be used for a first module design and more sophisticated (even if more expensive) simulation techniques via the Finite Element Method are checked and upgraded. Once the ongoing experimental phase on a scaled storage prototype at the ENEA site of Casaccia has been concluded, the obtained data will be used for completing both the setup of the calculation instruments and the R&D activity dealing with the development of an appropriate concrete mixing, optimising its chemical–physical and durability performances, and with the module integration within a CSP system.