Work

Conceptual design and initial assessment of a solar CPC-concrete thermal energy storage system for industrial process heat in Uruguay

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This work presents the design and preliminary assessment of a Solar Heat for Industrial Processes (SHIP) pilot system developed in Uruguay for operation in the 100–150°C range. The proposed system integrates a non-tracking compound parabolic collector (CPC) field with a concrete-based thermal energy storage (TES) unit within a closed-loop pressurized water–glycol circuit, designed to emulate industrial steam demand through a tank–coil heat exchanger. It is designed for a nominal thermal output of 10 kW and an aperture area of ∼25 m², prioritizing local manufacturability and operational simplicity. The design methodology combines simplified analytical models, numerical simulations (optical and thermal), and experimental testing to support component sizing and performance prediction. Experimental characterization of the collector follows ISO 9806:2025 procedures at the Laboratorio de Energía Solar, while TES design is supported by numerical modeling and laboratory evaluation of concrete formulations. Preliminary results from a 3.9 m² CPC prototype show a peak optical efficiency of 33.5%, below the expected range, with analysis indicating that thermal losses remain within design values and that performance deviations are mainly associated with optical and manufacturing factors. For the TES, thermal conductivities of up to 2.65 W/m·K were measured for selected concrete mixes, although variability in the measurements highlights the need for further testing. Numerical results indicate that the proposed configuration supports thermal stratification and effective charge–discharge behavior. Overall, the proposed methodology supports the conceptual design and preliminary assessment of the SHIP pilot plant and provides a sound basis for further experimental validation and techno-economic assessment.

Source: Solar Energy Advances

DOI: 10.1016/j.seja.2026.100146