👉 HTF, or High-Temperature Fluid, is a crucial component in certain types of advanced heat engines and power systems, particularly those utilizing supercritical or ultra-supercritical steam cycles. It is a liquid metal, typically gallium-based alloys, that operates at extremely high temperatures, often exceeding 600°C (1112°F), and pressures above its critical point. This fluid efficiently transfers heat from a high-temperature source, such as a nuclear reactor or concentrated solar power plant, to a heat exchanger where it generates steam. The steam then drives a turbine connected to an electricity generator, converting thermal energy into mechanical and ultimately electrical energy. The high thermal conductivity and specific heat capacity of HTF enable it to absorb and transport large amounts of heat effectively, making it indispensable in these high-efficiency systems.
