Overview
IEC TS 62862-2-1:2021 is a Technical Specification from the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) addressing the characterization of thermal energy storage (TES) systems in solar thermal electric plants. This document focuses on the methodologies, instrumentation, and procedures for determining the performance and functional characteristics of active, sensible heat storage systems in both direct and indirect configurations. The standard is essential for projects involving parabolic-trough collector, Fresnel collector, or central tower receiver technologies using liquid storage media such as molten salt.
By providing clear requirements and test methods, IEC TS 62862-2-1:2021 ensures reliable assessment, comparison, and operation of TES systems-enabling increased efficiency, transparency, and bankability for solar thermal power generation.
Key Topics
-
Thermal Energy Storage (TES) System Types:
- Focuses on active sensible heat systems (with “molten salt” or “solar salt” as storage media)
- Covers both direct (storage fluid used as heat transfer fluid) and indirect (heat exchanger between working fluid and storage media) systems
-
Characterization and Test Methods:
- Specifies procedures for testing TES system charge and discharge cycles
- Details measurement of key parameters: mass flow rates, fluid temperatures, tank wall temperatures, storage levels, wind speed and direction, and ambient temperature
- Includes guidance for measurement instrument selection, calibration, installation, and data acquisition
-
Performance Determination:
- Methods for evaluating:
- Thermal efficiency
- Storage capacity
- Thermal and global energy losses
- Operational boundaries and conditions for tests
- Data reporting, result calculation (including uncertainty analysis), and required documentation
-
Instrumentation Requirements:
- Flow meters, temperature sensors (RTD, thermocouples), level gauges, and meteorological sensors
- Summary of symbols, abbreviations, and measurement units for clarity and consistency
-
Test Report and Documentation:
- Describes minimum test plan contents, test procedures, and reporting structure for manufacturer compliance and transparent project execution
Applications
IEC TS 62862-2-1:2021 is highly applicable in the following contexts:
- Design and Construction of Solar Thermal Plants: Ensures that TES systems-crucial for dispatchability and grid stability-are properly specified, installed, and validated according to internationally recognized procedures.
- Performance Contracting and Guarantees: Provides objective, repeatable test methods to verify supplier claims and system guarantees.
- Operation and Maintenance: Supports operators in monitoring system health and performance degradation over time.
- Investment and Risk Assessment: Lenders and investors can use standardized performance reports for technical due diligence and risk minimization.
- Component Manufacturing and Supply Chain: Guides manufacturers on required system boundaries, test procedures, and documentation needed for compliance and market acceptance.
Related Standards
When implementing IEC TS 62862-2-1:2021, the following standards are relevant for holistic compliance:
- IEC TS 62862-1-1: Solar thermal electric plants – Part 1-1: Terminology
- IEC 60584-1: Thermocouples – EMF specifications and tolerances
- IEC 60751: Industrial platinum resistance thermometers and temperature sensors
- ISO 5725-3 / ISO 5725-6: Accuracy of measurement methods and results
These documents collectively provide a comprehensive framework for terminology, measurement accuracy, and consistent methodology in the solar thermal energy sector.
Keywords: IEC TS 62862-2-1:2021, thermal energy storage, TES, solar thermal electric plants, molten salt storage, direct and indirect TES systems, performance characterization, test methods, parabolic trough, Fresnel collector, solar tower receiver, instrumentation, efficiency testing.