Work

Numerical study of encapsulated phase change material integration in structured thermal energy storage systems for concentrated solar power

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The integration of encapsulated phase change materials (PCM) into structured thermocline thermal energy storage (TES) systems presents a promising solution for enhancing the performance of concentrating solar power (CSP) plants. This study investigates the effects of PCM layer thickness (PCM width), melting temperature gap, and cutoff temperature differences on energy accumulation for H380, KOH and NaNO3 as PCMs. A comprehensive one-dimensional and unsteady numerical model, validated against experimental data and used to simulate various configurations, was developed. The results indicate that an optimal PCM layer thickness of 5–10% of the bed height, combined with low cutoff temperature differences (10–20 °C), significantly enhances energy storage efficiency. For most cases, the optimal melting temperature is found to be 5 °C below the cutoff temperature difference from the hot/cold temperature. Maximum energy increases of 45.69% for KOH, 41.71% for NaNO3, and 36.88% for H380 were achieved at low cutoff temperature differences (10 °C) compared to a reference case without PCM. • One-dimensional model for numerical simulation. • NaNO3, KOH and H380 studied as a phase change material. • PCM layer width as a percentage of bed height studied. • Cutoff temperature difference for each PCM layer width studied. • Melting temperature distance from hot/cold temperatures studied.

Source: Results in Engineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.rineng.2025.107263

Authors: Oriol Sanmartí, Jordi Vera, Santiago Torras, Carlos D. Pérez-Segarra

Institution: Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya

Language: English

Topic: Phase Change Materials Research

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,940