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<p>A novel ternary eutectic salt mixture of CuCl, KCl, and NaCl was evaluated by our laboratory as a potential heat transfer fluid (HTF) for thermal energy storage (TES) in concentrated solar power (CSP) plants. The mixture demonstrated an operating temperature range reaching up to 653&#xa0;°C. Adding 7 wt% CaCl₂ improved its thermal stability, raising the maximum operating temperature to 700&#xa0;°C. This study presents a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) comparing this novel mixture, with and without CaCl<sub>2</sub> additive, to existing MgCl<sub>2</sub>–KCl–NaCl and ZnCl<sub>2</sub>–KCl–NaCl mixtures. Using SimaPro 9.3 and the CML-IA baseline method, the cradle-to-gate LCA evaluates key impact categories, including global warming potential, human toxicity, acidification, eutrophication, and resource depletion. The LCA follows ISO 14040 and 14044 standards and uses characterization models to translate life cycle inventory data into impact indicators. The production process is based on laboratory-scale experiments, with a discussion on potential differences with industrial-scale production. Results show that MgCl<sub>2</sub>–KCl–NaCl has the lowest impact across most categories, while ZnCl<sub>2</sub>–KCl–NaCl exhibits the highest impact, particularly in ozone depletion and ecotoxicity. CuCl–KCl–NaCl mixture shows moderate impacts, which are slightly mitigated by the CaCl<sub>2</sub> additive. A breakdown of individual salts reveals that CuCl, MgCl<sub>2</sub>, and ZnCl<sub>2</sub> are the main contributors to the environmental profiles of their respective mixtures. These insights are crucial for guiding the development of sustainable molten salt formulations and informing decision-making within the CSP industry. This work advances eco-friendly thermal energy storage solutions, positioning CSP as a driver of a greener energy future.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>

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Environmental footprint of chloride eutectic mixtures: A comprehensive life cycle assessment for concentrated solar power systems

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年3月3日

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  • Swanand R. Patange,
  • Poonam R. Sutar,
  • Ganapati D. Yadav

摘要

A novel ternary eutectic salt mixture of CuCl, KCl, and NaCl was evaluated by our laboratory as a potential heat transfer fluid (HTF) for thermal energy storage (TES) in concentrated solar power (CSP) plants. The mixture demonstrated an operating temperature range reaching up to 653 °C. Adding 7 wt% CaCl₂ improved its thermal stability, raising the maximum operating temperature to 700 °C. This study presents a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) comparing this novel mixture, with and without CaCl2 additive, to existing MgCl2–KCl–NaCl and ZnCl2–KCl–NaCl mixtures. Using SimaPro 9.3 and the CML-IA baseline method, the cradle-to-gate LCA evaluates key impact categories, including global warming potential, human toxicity, acidification, eutrophication, and resource depletion. The LCA follows ISO 14040 and 14044 standards and uses characterization models to translate life cycle inventory data into impact indicators. The production process is based on laboratory-scale experiments, with a discussion on potential differences with industrial-scale production. Results show that MgCl2–KCl–NaCl has the lowest impact across most categories, while ZnCl2–KCl–NaCl exhibits the highest impact, particularly in ozone depletion and ecotoxicity. CuCl–KCl–NaCl mixture shows moderate impacts, which are slightly mitigated by the CaCl2 additive. A breakdown of individual salts reveals that CuCl, MgCl2, and ZnCl2 are the main contributors to the environmental profiles of their respective mixtures. These insights are crucial for guiding the development of sustainable molten salt formulations and informing decision-making within the CSP industry. This work advances eco-friendly thermal energy storage solutions, positioning CSP as a driver of a greener energy future.

Graphical Abstract