Abstract :
Fast reaction times and high discharge rates make steam accumulators a promising option for compensation of fast
transients in insolation for solarthermal systems using steam as working medium. Using the volume of components like
separator drums or heat exchangers for storage of pressurized hot water is a cost-effective approach to integrate buffer
storage capacity. While the basic steam accumulator shows a decline in pressure during the discharge process, there are
also concepts maintaining constant pressure. The integration of latent heat storage material allows an increase in volumetric
storage capacity. The availability of steam accumulators for compensation of fast transients also helps to
reduce the requirements concerning reaction time and discharge rate for storage systems intended for supplying stored
energy over longer periods.
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