This invention provides an electrochemical method for detecting and arresting corrosion at the metal-molten salt interface, a location that, until now, was difficult to treat. While many of the pipes used in transfer of molten salt are resistant to corrosion on the exterior, this technology is the first to treat the interior of the pipe. Its novel design prevents corrosion in the presence of oxidizing impurities, like oxygen and water, which occur when air leaks into the system.
Background: The concentrated solar power (CSP) industry is a variant of traditional renewable solar energy that, with use of molten salt, has the potential to provide power both day and night. Panels of computer controlled reflected lenses focus solar energy to a central power tower where a heat-transfer fluid absorbs the energy for use in traditional steam generators below. Molten salt, with its fluid like properties and high-temperature range, is an ideal heat transfer fluid. This heated salt can be stored for power generation during night-time hours, eliminating the need for battery storage. While molten salt opens the door to new, cheaper energy, it does cause metal pope corrosion if air leaks into the system. This corrosion can cut into CSP plant costs and reduce efficiency and reliability.
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