Chile’s superior solar radiation and extended sunny periods yield a 15% efficiency improvement over comparable international systems, according to Ushak. Experimental prototypes have been tested under desert climatic conditions in northern Chile to develop predictive models and optimize system performance. Current research focuses on enhancing thermal collectors using waste-based heat transfer fluids combined with Janus nanoparticle technology to further improve heat capture and retention.
Maintenance follows European standards, requiring biannual preventive cleaning and seal inspections, and annual operational checks. The salt materials exhibit an expected lifespan of eight years with low replacement cost due to their waste origin. This technology complements Chile’s expanding solar sector exemplified by large-scale projects such as the Cerro Dominador concentrated solar power plant. The pilot plant serves as a platform for data collection to facilitate future scale-up for residential neighborhoods, sports facilities, schools, and municipal buildings. This development represents a sustainable, low-cost solution for solar heat storage aligned with Chile’s renewable energy goals.
This article was curated and published as part of our South American energy market coverage.
