Numerical Analysis of Concentrated Solar Heaters for Segmented Heat Accumulators

Abstract

This presented paper focuses on the design and evaluation of the concept of concentrated solar heaters for segmental heat accumulators, which are designed to cover the energy needs of selected communities in terms of food preparation without the need for fossil fuels, which have a negative impact not only on the climate but especially on health. The proposed device is based on the traditional method of food preparation in the so-called earth oven; however, the fire-heated stones are replaced with heat accumulators heated by solar radiation. This approach eliminates the need to change common and long-term habits of food preparation for selected communities. The device connects solar vacuum heat pipes, a solar radiation concentrator, and heat accumulators. The concept was evaluated based on computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis with the use of a transient simulation of selected operating situations in three geographical locations. The results showed a significant temperature increase of the heat accumulators, where in the most effective case the temperature increased up to 227.23 °C. The concept was also evaluated based on a calorimetric analysis of the system consisting of heat accumulators and food. The resulting temperature in the considered case reached the pasteurization temperature necessary for safe and healthy food preparation.

Green Economy and Sustainable Development: The Outlook

“…Beer et al [14], in their article, presented the results of the development of the concept of a concentrated solar heater for segmented heat accumulators and an assessment of the prospects for its use in cooking, without burning fossil fuels. The traditional design of the earth oven, considered by the authors, is successfully supplemented with batteries that receive thermal energy from solar radiation in sufficient quantities.…”