Solar photothermal utilization of coupled latent heat storage: A numerical and optimization study

• Published in: Solar energy materials and solar cells 2024-07, Vol.271, p.112864, Article 112864
• Main Authors: Huang, Xinyu, Li, Fangfei, Li, Yuanji, Yang, Xiaohu, Li, Ming-Jia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Optimization study; Organic rankine cycle; Sinusoidal wall temperature; Solidification properties; Thermal energy storage
• ISSN: 0927-0248; 1879-3398
• DOI: 10.1016/j.solmat.2024.112864

The combination of Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) and Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage (LHTES) is a novel approach for effectively utilizing solar energy. However, the influence of solar energy fluctuations on the heat transfer process of LHTES systems is not yet clear. In this study, a sinusoidal heat source is applied to a rotating triple-tube LHTES system, and numerical analysis and model verification are conducted. The parameters of the sinusoidal heat source are optimized using the response surface method. The effects of heat source amplitude, half period, and rotation speed on the heat release time and heat release rate of LHTES are investigated, and corresponding quadratic regression equations are fitted. The optimized structure (rotation speed = 0.5 rpm, amplitude = 7.5 K, half-cycle = 100) obtained through the response surface method reduced the solidification time by 12.45% compared to the initial structure (rotation speed = 0.3 rpm, amplitude = 7.5 K, half-cycle = 100). The average temperature response and heat release rate increased by 28.34% and 16.25%, respectively. The sensible heat and total heat release within one solidification cycle increased by 12.17% and 1.87%, respectively. This study lays the foundation for the optimization design of LHTES systems and the integrated application of Organic Rankine Cycle. [Display omitted] •This study lays a foundation for the comprehensive application of LHTES and ORC.•Sinusoidal wave heat source is applied to a triple-tube LHTES under rotation conditions.•The parameters of sinusoidal heat source are optimized by response surface method.•The solidification performance of the optimized structure is enhanced by 12.45%.