Computational Evaluation of Latent Heat Energy Storage Using a High Temperature Phase Change Material

Abstract

Latent heat energy storage systems have higher energy density than their sensible heat counterparts and have the added benefit of constant temperature operation. This work computationally evaluates a thermal energy storage system using molten silicon as a phase change material. A cylindrical receiver, absorber, converter system was evaluated using the heat transfer in solids with surface-to surface radiation physics module of the commercially available COMSOL Multiphysics simulation software. The progression of the solidification and melting fronts through the phase change material was modeled for two different methods of concentrated solar irradiation delivery. Heating the core of the PCM rather than the top of the PCM decreased the required solar input by 17%, decreasing the solar collector area required as well as lowering overall system weight.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 2012
Accession Number
ADA591602

Entities

People

  • David B. Scharfe
  • Michael R. Reid
  • Rebecca N. Webb
  • Taylor C. Lilly

Organizations

  • Air Force Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Earth Orbits
  • Energy
  • Energy Storage
  • Energy Transfer
  • Heat Energy
  • Heat Of Fusion
  • Heat Transfer
  • Isotherms
  • Latent Heat
  • Low Earth Orbits
  • Material Degradation Processes
  • Materials
  • Phase Change Materials
  • Radiation
  • Solar Energy

Readers

  • Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Solar Photovoltaics and Thermoelectric Devices.