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Exploring Options for the Application of Azobenzene for Molecular Solar Thermal Energy Storage: Integration with Parabolic Trough Solar Systems

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  • Li Zhang

    (School of Energy and Environment, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou 014010, China
    School of Energy and Power Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China)

  • Changcheng Guo

    (School of Energy and Environment, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou 014010, China)

  • Yazhu Zhang

    (School of Energy and Environment, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou 014010, China)

  • Haofeng Wang

    (School of Energy and Environment, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou 014010, China)

  • Wenjing Liu

    (School of Energy and Environment, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou 014010, China)

  • Jing Jin

    (School of Energy and Power Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China)

  • Shaopeng Guo

    (School of Energy and Environment, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou 014010, China
    School of Building Services Science and Engineering, Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi’an 710055, China)

  • Erdem Cuce

    (Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Zihni Derin Campus, Rize 53100, Turkey
    Center for Research Impact & Outcome, Chitkara University, Rajpura 140401, Punjab, India
    University Centre for Research and Development, Chandigarh University, Mohali 140413, Punjab, India)

Abstract

Molecular solar thermal (MOST) energy systems can be utilized for the absorption, storage, and release of energy from the ultraviolet (UV) band of the solar spectrum. In this study, we designed a molecular solar thermal energy storage and release device based on the photoisomerization reaction of azobenzene. The device was integrated with a parabolic trough solar system, broadening the absorption range of the solar spectrum. By utilizing a coated secondary reflector, the system achieved efficient reflection of ultraviolet (UV) light in the 290–490 nm range, while solid-state azobenzene enabled the conversion of photon energy into chemical energy for storage and release. Experimental results under winter outdoor conditions demonstrated that: the secondary reflector significantly enhanced UV light concentration; the molecular solar thermal energy device exhibited remarkable thermal efficiency. Under an average solar irradiance of 302.23 W·m −2 , the device demonstrated excellent thermal performance, with the azobenzene reaching a peak temperature of 42.07 °C. The maximum heat release capacity was measured at 10.89 kJ·kg −1 ·m −1 , while achieving a remarkable heat release power of 29.31 W·kg −1 ·m −1 .

Suggested Citation

  • Li Zhang & Changcheng Guo & Yazhu Zhang & Haofeng Wang & Wenjing Liu & Jing Jin & Shaopeng Guo & Erdem Cuce, 2025. "Exploring Options for the Application of Azobenzene for Molecular Solar Thermal Energy Storage: Integration with Parabolic Trough Solar Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-19, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:9:p:2298-:d:1646621
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Fang, Juan & Liu, Qibin & Guo, Shaopeng & Lei, Jing & Jin, Hongguang, 2019. "Spanning solar spectrum: A combined photochemical and thermochemical process for solar energy storage," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 247(C), pages 116-126.
    2. Paulescu, Eugenia & Paulescu, Marius, 2021. "A new clear sky solar irradiance model," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 179(C), pages 2094-2103.
    3. Chen, Fei & Chen, Jun, 2022. "A novel solution method for reflector shape of solar Compound Parabolic Concentrator and verification," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 192(C), pages 385-395.
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