The application of scale inhibitors in new energy field is mainly to ensure the efficient operation of water treatment systems in various energy conversion and storage systems. The new energy field includes solar energy, wind energy, geothermal energy, biomass energy, nuclear energy, etc. These systems often require a large amount of water during operation, and the minerals and impurities in the water can easily lead to scaling, which affects the efficiency and life of the system. The following are some specific application examples:

1. Solar thermal power generation systems

• Concentrated Solar Thermal Power (CSP): CSP systems use mirrors to focus sunlight onto a receiver, which transfers the heat through a heat transfer medium (usually water or molten salt) to a working fluid that drives a turbine generator to produce electricity. During this process, the heat transfer medium and the water in the cooling system need to be kept clean to prevent scaling. Scale inhibitors are effective in preventing the deposition of minerals such as calcium carbonate and calcium sulphate in pipes and heat exchangers.
  

• Solar water heater: collector pipes and storage tanks in solar water heaters also need to be protected from scaling to maintain efficient heat exchange.
  

2. Geothermal energy systems

• Geothermal Power Generation: Geothermal power plants use underground hot water or steam to drive turbines to generate electricity. Geothermal water contains high levels of minerals that tend to scale in pipes and heat exchangers. Scale inhibitors prevent the deposition of these minerals and ensure the long-term stable operation of the system.
  

• Geothermal heating: Geothermal heating systems also need to prevent scaling to ensure heating efficiency.
  

3. Nuclear energy systems

• Nuclear power plant: the cooling system and heat exchange system of nuclear power plant needs a large amount of water, scale inhibitor can prevent the minerals in cooling water from depositing in pipeline and heat exchanger to ensure the efficient operation of cooling system.
  

• Nuclear waste treatment: In the process of nuclear waste treatment, scale inhibitors can also be used to prevent scaling in the treatment equipment and ensure the smooth running of the treatment process.
  

4. Biomass energy systems

• Biomass boilers: When biomass boilers burn biomass fuels, the ash and minerals produced are prone to scaling in the boiler. Scale inhibitors can prevent these minerals from being deposited and extend the service life of the boiler.
  

• Biomass gasification: During biomass gasification, the syngas produced needs to be cooled and purified, and scale inhibitors can prevent scaling in the cooling system.
  

5. Wind farms

• Cooling systems in wind farms: Although wind power generation itself does not require large amounts of water, cooling systems for transformers and electrical equipment in wind farms may require the use of water. Scale inhibitors can prevent scaling in these cooling systems and ensure proper operation of the equipment.
  

6. Energy storage systems

• Pumped storage power stations: Pumped storage power stations use excess electricity to pump water from a lower reservoir to an upper reservoir and then release the water flow to generate electricity at times of peak demand. Scale inhibitors prevent scaling in the pipework and equipment between the upper and lower reservoirs, ensuring efficient operation of the system.
  

• Battery storage systems: Although battery storage systems do not require large amounts of water per se, water may be used in the production and maintenance of batteries. Scale inhibitors can prevent scaling in the relevant equipment.
  

Usage

• Water quality analysis: Before using scale inhibitors, water quality needs to be analysed comprehensively to understand the specific conditions of water quality.
  

• Selection of suitable scale inhibitor: According to the result of water quality analysis, select the suitable scale inhibitor. For example, for high hardness water quality, you can choose high efficient chelating agent such as HEDP or ATMP; for high pH water quality, you can choose PBTCA.
  

• Dosage control: Determine the appropriate dosage according to the water quality and system requirements. Overdosing may lead to unnecessary cost increases, while underdosing will not achieve the desired results.
  

• Regular monitoring: Regularly monitor the scaling condition and water quality parameters in the system to adjust the dosage of scale inhibitor in time.
  

• Safe handling: When handling and dosing scale inhibitors, wear appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles and protective clothing.
  

• Storage conditions: Scale inhibitors should be stored in a cool, dry place, avoiding direct sunlight and high temperature.
  

Through reasonable selection and use of scale inhibitors, scaling problems in new energy systems can be effectively prevented to ensure efficient operation and long-term stability of the system. It is recommended to co-operate with a professional water treatment service provider to ensure the best scale inhibition effect and long-term stable operation of the system.