Performance Analysis of a Rooftop Solar Pv-Powered Molten Salt Steam Generator Using Ultra-Frequency Induction Coils and Vacuum-Insulated Resistance Heating Tank

Abstract

This study presents a comprehensive computational analysis of a molten salt steam generator system powered by rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) energy, utilizing two distinct thermal conversion methods: ultra-frequency induction heating and electrical resistance heating. The system comprises a horizontal stainless-steel tank enclosed within a vacuum-insulated jacket and equipped with submerged resistance heating coils, alongside a separate pipe section subjected to induction heating. Transient simulations were performed to investigate the thermal behavior, temperature distribution within the molten salt circuit, and its coupling with a secondary steam generation loop. The results demonstrate the enhanced thermal responsiveness and efficiency of the induction heating configuration under fluctuating solar input, offering valuable insights into the design of decentralized thermal energy storage systems for solar-driven steam generation.

Keywords: Molten salt, Solar steam generator, CFD analysis, Induction heating, Resistance heating, Thermal energy storage