Imagine a giant thermos that can hold heat from the sun at extreme temperatures. This project creates special salts and metal coatings that don't melt or corrode even when it's incredibly hot. This allows solar plants to store more energy and provide electricity even when the sun isn't shining.
Current solar tower plants are limited by a 600ºC temperature ceiling, which restricts their efficiency and ability to provide steady power. Materials often degrade or corrode when pushed to higher temperatures.
A set of high-temperature molten salt mixtures, Ni-based alloys, and protective coatings. These are currently being produced as samples for laboratory screening and long-term durability tests.
If you are a plant operator dealing with energy gaps when the sun sets — this project developed storage fluids and coatings that withstand 850ºC. This allows you to store more heat and increase the dispatchability of your electricity.
If you are a manufacturer dealing with material degradation at high heat — this project developed Ni-based alloys and coatings that resist temperatures of 800ºC. This provides a blueprint for creating durable industrial components for extreme environments.
If you are a factory owner dealing with high carbon emissions from fossil fuel heating — this project developed sustainable molten salt storage. This enables the use of clean, high-temperature solar heat for industrial processes.
Based on available project data, specific pricing is not provided, but the project aims to create cost-effective and reliable solutions for thermal storage.
The project is currently in the research and development phase, focusing on laboratory testing protocols and screening samples of coatings and alloys.
Based on available project data, specific licensing terms are not mentioned, though the consortium includes 7 industry partners who may be involved in commercialization.
The project period runs from 2024-06-01 to 2028-05-31, suggesting that full validation will occur toward the end of this window.
It replaces or upgrades the storage medium and absorber materials to push operational temperatures beyond the current 600ºC industry standard.
The consortium is heavily weighted toward commercial application, with 7 industry partners (58% of the group) and 2 SMEs. This strong industrial presence, combined with 4 research centers and 1 university across 6 countries, suggests a high priority on translating the lab results into marketable products.
Contact the Universidad Complutense de Madrid
Contact us to connect with the HELIOTROPE consortium for material testing partnerships.
