TransientGroup developed for Alstom Power Inc., Windsor (CT), a dynamic model capable to perform start-up, shutdown, and transient operation for a Molten Salt Central Receiver (MSCR) using the dynamic platform ISAAC Dynamics. The MSCR is subject to thermal transients during normal daily operation, a cycle that includes warmup, filling, operation, draining, and shutdown. Alstom is developing Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) utilizing 60/40wt% NaNO3-KNO3 molten salt as the working fluid in a tower receiver for the global renewable energy market. In the CSP power generation cycle, receivers undergo a daily cyclic operation due to the transient nature of solar energy. Development of robust and efficient start-up and shut-down procedures is critical to avoiding component failures due to mechanical fatigue resulting from thermal transients, thus maintaining the performance and availability of the CSP plant.