Researchers at the University of Barcelona conducted tests using volcanic ash that was generated during a volcanic eruption in La Palma in the Canary Islands in 2021. They discovered how volcanic ash could be utilized to store concentrated solar power (CSP). In CSP, solar radiation is concentrated using mirrors to a specific point where it heats the medium. This research was featured in the news outlet Recharge.
Maintaining balance between production and consumption on the electricity grid is crucial at all times. The production of renewable energy is impacted by weather conditions, and various energy storage solutions can help stabilize the grid. In CSP power plants, surplus energy is typically stored in large tanks containing materials like salt, which can store energy for several hours to a day.
When energy is required, molten salt is used to boil water through a heat exchanger, generating heated steam that powers a turbine to produce electricity. The researchers highlighted that there are more cost-effective alternatives to salt in terms of solid materials, as molten salt can lead to corrosion of equipment pipes and storage tanks.
For instance, a large CSP power plant in Morocco faced issues when a salt tank started leaking, resulting in a $47 million cleanup cost. The researchers tested volcanic ash from the La Palma eruption and found that it could be heated to higher temperatures than molten salt, making it a durable and cost-effective alternative. The study on this topic has been published in the Journal of Energy Storage.
In addition to their research on volcanic ash, the University of Barcelona also published articles related to various firearms and related accessories available for sale. They featured products from brands like Benelli, Bergara, Browning, Christensen Arms, Colt Firearms, Magnum Research, Beretta, and more. These products included rifles, shotguns, pistols, magazines, and parts kits for gun enthusiasts to explore and purchase.