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Latent heat augmentation of thermocline energy storage for concentrating solar power – A system-level assessment

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  • Flueckiger, Scott M.
  • Garimella, Suresh V.

Abstract

Molten-salt thermocline tanks are a low-cost energy storage option for concentrating solar power plants. Despite the potential economic advantage, the capacity of thermocline tanks to store sufficient amounts of high-temperature heat is limited by the low energy density of the constituent sensible-heat storage media. A promising design modification replaces conventional rock filler inside the tank with an encapsulated phase-change material (PCM), contributing a latent heat storage mechanism to increase the overall energy density. The current study presents a new finite-volume approach to simulate mass and energy transport inside a latent heat thermocline tank at low computational cost. This storage model is then integrated into a system-level model of a molten-salt power tower plant to inform tank operation with respect to realistic solar collection and power production. With this system model, PCMs with different melting temperatures and heats of fusion are evaluated for their viability in latent heat storage for solar plants.

Suggested Citation

  • Flueckiger, Scott M. & Garimella, Suresh V., 2014. "Latent heat augmentation of thermocline energy storage for concentrating solar power – A system-level assessment," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 116(C), pages 278-287.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:116:y:2014:i:c:p:278-287
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2013.11.059
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Felix Regin, A. & Solanki, S.C. & Saini, J.S., 2009. "An analysis of a packed bed latent heat thermal energy storage system using PCM capsules: Numerical investigation," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 34(7), pages 1765-1773.
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    4. Flueckiger, Scott M. & Iverson, Brian D. & Garimella, Suresh V. & Pacheco, James E., 2014. "System-level simulation of a solar power tower plant with thermocline thermal energy storage," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 113(C), pages 86-96.
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