The production of electric energy from solar radiation is nowadays one of the most investigated and developed “carbon free” technology. A throughout investigation of the ceramics most commonly used as heat transfer fluids and/or heat storage materials for concentrating solar power systems (i.e. alkaline and heart alkaline nitrate/nitrite mixtures) is here reported. The study stems by the need to base materials selection on an accurate and critical knowledge of all their characteristics, including their thermophysical, environmental compatibility, and economic features.

At this purpose, a rating criterion have been established, to readily show the advantages and disadvantages of each material, and to highlight which characteristics of the examined materials need to be further investigated and improved. Nitrate/nitrite mixtures have also been compared with other ceramics used for thermal storage, such as solid fillers, liquid metals, other salt mixtures, or phase change materials.

如今，利用太阳辐射生产电能是最受研究和开发的“无碳”技术之一。在此报告了对最常用作聚光太阳能系统的传热流体和/或储热材料的陶瓷的全面研究（即碱性和心脏碱性硝酸盐/亚硝酸盐混合物）。这项研究的目的是基于对材料的所有特征（包括其热物理，环境相容性和经济特征）的准确和关键的知识作为基础来进行材料选择。

为此目的，已经建立了评定标准，以容易地显示每种材料的优缺点，并强调需要进一步研究和改进所检查材料的哪些特性。硝酸盐/亚硝酸盐混合物也已与其他用于储热的陶瓷进行了比较，例如固体填料，液态金属，其他盐混合物或相变材料。