A master thesis from Aalborg University
Heat Storage Based on PCM for Concentrated Solar Power Applications
[Varmelager Baseret på Faseskifte Materialer til Koncentreret Solenergi Applikationer]
Author(s)
Term
4. term
Education
Publication year
2011
Submitted on
2011-06-09
Pages
136 pages
Abstract
The purpose of this work was to investigate heat transfer in a KNO3-NaNO3-based PCM heat storage for concentrated solar power applications. This was done by appling a CFD tool and a numerical approach. The work was done in three stages, covering quasi-1D, 2D and finally 3D. Results were based on evaluation of two models with graphite and steel fins, respectively. Each model was simulated for 3, 10, 30 and 60 minutes. The conclusion of this work was that the choice of the fin material was of less importance during discharge mode, as PCM solidifies on the heating surfaces, which acts as a thermal insulator. This results in reduced heat transfer through the heating surface. Furthermore, it was discovered that natural convection in the liquid PCM was of great importance to the heat transfer.
Documents
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