Economic evaluation of latent heat thermal energy storage using embedded thermosyphons for concentrating solar power applications

Robak, Christopher; Bergman, T. L.; Faghri, Amir

doi:10.1016/j.solener.2011.07.006

Cited by 73 publications

(19 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…By employing a thermal network model, Shabgard et al [60] showed that heat pipe has the potential of enhancing the heat transfer rates in large-scale LHS system for parabolic-trough plants using synthetic oil as HTF. Economic analysis conducted by Robak, et al [61] showed that 15% potential decrease in capital cost is obtainable compared to the commercially available two-tank system. However, there is still the need for the demonstration of the real feasibility of such system and the long term corrosion and stability of the welded heat pipes.…”

Section: Sandwich Conceptmentioning

confidence: 99%

Review of PCMS and heat transfer enhancement methods applied in parabolic trough solar plants thermal storage systems

Muhammad¹

2018

Nig. J. Tech.

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Solar thermal power generation requires a cost effective thermal storage system. The existing two tank system is very expensive due to the storage material inventory. The use of phase change materials (PCMs) offers higher storage density. A review of potential PCMs was conducted in order to come up with commercially available ones having suitable properties. Most available PCMs have low thermal conductivity making heat transfer enhancement necessary for power applications. The various methods of heat transfer enhancement in latent heat storage systems were also reviewed systematically. The review showed that three commercially-available PCMs are suitable in the operating temperature range of parabolic trough plants. Many heat transfer enhancement methods have been investigated in the literature but the use of aluminium fins is the most promising in the temperature range of 250-330 o C. Many eutectic mixtures of materials have potential for use but discrepancies exist in their reported melting temperature and latent heat of fusion.Keywords: Latent heat, high temperature, thermal conductivity enhancement 1. INTRODUCTION Solar thermal power generation is one the most sustainable and renewable source of electricity. It has the potential of fulfilling the world's electricity needs due to the availability of solar energy in sufficient quantity in various regions of the world [1 -3]. Various solar thermal technologies have been developed over the years for the generation of electricity [4]. The parabolic dish [5 -7] power tower [8,9] and the parabolic trough [10 -12] are the most advanced and have been commercialized. The parabolic trough technology using synthetic oil as the heat transfer fluid (HTF) with operating temperature range between 290 and 400 o C is the most matured and cost effective technology for capacities <200 MW. This can partly be attributed to the experience gained in the operation and maintenance of the 354 MW Solar Electric Generating Station (SEGS) plants for over two (2) decades [4,13]. Most commercial solar plants in operation and under construction are of the parabolic trough technology [9]. The stable and sustainable operation of a solar thermal plant requires a back-up thermal energy source in order to produce thermal energy when that from the sun is insufficient. For cost effective operation there is also the need to avoid energy wastage when the

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Section: Sandwich Conceptmentioning

confidence: 99%

Review of PCMS and heat transfer enhancement methods applied in parabolic trough solar plants thermal storage systems

Muhammad¹

2018

Nig. J. Tech.

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“…In a few cases, liquid metal alloys may be used instead of molten salts. Adinberg et al [32] used a An economic analysis of PCM thermal energy storage for CSP applications was completed by Robak et al [33]. In this work they compared the costs and performance of the standard two-tank sensible heat storage model to a PCM system.…”

Section: Concentrating Solar Power Plantsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…In comparison, the sensible heating system requires two tanks, each 23,856 m 3 with 45,000 tons of molten salt. Thus the PCM TES system reduces the required overall tank volume by approximately 65 %, and reduces the TES medium mass by approximately 30 % [33]. The PCM system has additional costs for the thermosyphons, and the HTF channels within the tank but the sensible heat system requires a molten salt-HTF heat exchanger and molten salt pumps.…”

Section: Concentrating Solar Power Plantsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Energy Storage Applications

Fleischer

2015

Thermal Energy Storage Using Phase Change Materials

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As discussed in Chap. 1, energy storage through solid-liquid phase change is inherently a transient process and is best suited for systems that experience repeated transients, such as on-off or periodic peaking cycles, or for those systems which require thermal energy storage for later use. PCMs are commonly used in applications for both thermal management and for thermal energy storage.Interest in PCMs for thermal management of systems can be traced back at least through the 1970s. NASA in particular was interested in the use of PCMs as what were then referred to as "thermal capacitors" and PCMs were implemented in several moon vehicles and in Skylab [1]. The 1977 NASA tech brief "A Design Handbook for Phase Change Thermal Control and Energy Storage Devices" [2] was one of the first comprehensive PCM references, and is still widely cited and used today.During the 1970s and 1980s, interest was also building in the application of PCMs in solar systems [3-5] for thermal energy storage in both large solar plants, and in smaller domestic applications such as domestic hot water systems. The concept of embedding PCMs in various types of building materials, such as wallboard and floorboards, in order to create houses and offices with lower heating and cooling loads for greater energy efficiency, also began in the 1970s/80s [6,7]. Simultaneously, a significant amount of fundamental research was being completed on PCMs, considering in-depth the melting and solidification processes, and the roles of conduction and natural convection on the phase change processes [8][9][10][11].With the growth of computing power through the 1980s and 1990s, integrated circuits began dissipating significant amounts of heat and PCM applications in the thermal management of high performance, military and consumer electronics came on the scene in the late 1990s [12][13][14]. More recently, PCMs have seen application in textile design for energy absorbing clothing for military and consumer products [15].

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“…[64] to be $5 for total of 100 heat pipes and is available at a discounted pricing for quantities greater than that. Also, the gravity assisted heat pipes only require simple screen mesh wicks for which the cost is even lower and a unit cost (C HP ) of $3, similar to that of thermosyphon cost [65] is assumed in the present analysis. The LHTES container cost encompasses the material cost of the stainless steel (321 SS), foundation cost and the insulation cost.…”

Section: De-fg36-08go18146 Research and Development For Novel Tes Sysmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Although the potential of LHTES systems to reduce the cost of solar electricity generation has been stressed by several investigators, to the authors' knowledge it has not been shown how this approach could be implemented at a scale commensurate with CSP. The incorporation of gravity-assisted wickless heat pipes (thermosyphons) in a large scale LHTES system for commercial CSP was studied by Robak et al [65]. A LHTES system design is proposed which can operate effectively during a charging and discharging period.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Research and Development for Novel Thermal Energy Storage Systems (TES) for Concentrating Solar Power (CSP)

Faghri¹,

Bergman²,

Pitchumani³

2013

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Executive Summary:The overall objective was to develop innovative heat transfer devices and methodologies for novel thermal energy storage systems for concentrating solar power generation involving phase change materials (PCMs). Specific objectives included embedding thermosyphons and/or heat pipes (TS/HPs) within appropriate phase change materials to significantly reduce thermal resistances within the thermal energy storage system of a large-scale concentrating solar power plant and, in turn, improve performance of the plant. Experimental, system level and detailed comprehensive modeling approaches were taken to investigate the effect of adding TS/HPs on the performance of latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) systems. Experimental results proved the superior performance of HPs to increase the heat transfer rates compared to finned and non-finned cases. Quantitatively, inclusion of heat pipes increased PCM melting rates by approximately 60%, while the fins were not as effective. During solidification, the heat pipe-assisted configuration transferred approximately twice the energy between a heat transfer fluid and the PCM, relative to both the fin-assisted LHTES and the non-heat pipe, non-fin configurations.Comprehensive multiphase multi-dimensional simulations were conducted to provide a better understanding of the fundamental physical phenomena involved in thermal energy storage in a phase change media with embedded TS/HPs, and also to provide input for the system level model. A system level model, leveraged by the input from the comprehensive model, was developed to predict the response of large-scale TS/HP-assisted LHTES systems in a computationally-effective manner. Consistent with the experimental results, the results of the system level model also demonstrated a significant increase in heat transfer rates associated with HP-assisted LHTES systems.The developed system level model was employed to predict the performance of a large-scale LHTES system utilizing multiple PCMs in a cascaded configuration. It was shown that the maximum exergy recovery can be achieved by using a cascaded configuration. Optimization studies were performed using the system level model and the preferred configurations of HPs in the LHTES systems were identified. Exergy analysis of LHTES systems was carried out considering the practical constraints imposed on the system in solar applications. Novel guidelines were proposed for design and optimization of LHTES systems for solar applications. Economic aspects of TS/HPassisted LHTES systems were also investigated and it was shown that these systems are cost competitive with the state of the art thermal energy storage systems currently in use. DE-FG36-08GO18146Research and Development for Novel TES Systems for CSP University of Connecticut 3 Background:Energy storage capability is desirable in solar and wind electric power applications due to the intermittent nature of the energy generated. In solar thermal generation, thermal energy storage is the preferred energy storage mode [1]...

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Economic evaluation of latent heat thermal energy storage using embedded thermosyphons for concentrating solar power applications

Cited by 73 publications

References 8 publications

Review of PCMS and heat transfer enhancement methods applied in parabolic trough solar plants thermal storage systems

Review of PCMS and heat transfer enhancement methods applied in parabolic trough solar plants thermal storage systems

Energy Storage Applications

Research and Development for Novel Thermal Energy Storage Systems (TES) for Concentrating Solar Power (CSP)

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