Multi-layered solid-PCM thermocline thermal storage for CSP. Numerical evaluation of its application in a 50 MWe plant

Thermocline storage concept is considered as a possible solution to reduce the cost of thermal storage in concentrated solar power (CSP) plants. Recently, a multi-layered solid-PCM (MLSPCM) concept -- consisting of a thermocline-like tank combining layers of solid and phase change filler materials -...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Solar energy 2015-09, Vol.119, p.134
Main Authors: Galione, P A, Pérez-Segarra, CD, Rodríguez, I, Torras, S, Rigola, J
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Calor
CSP
Emmagatzematge
Energia solar tèrmica
Energia tèrmica solar
Energies
Heat storage
Multi-layered solid-PCM
Numerical analysis
Phase change materials
Power plants
Prototypes
Solar energy
Solar thermal energy
Thermal energy storage
Thermocline
Àrees temàtiques de la UPC
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Summary:Thermocline storage concept is considered as a possible solution to reduce the cost of thermal storage in concentrated solar power (CSP) plants. Recently, a multi-layered solid-PCM (MLSPCM) concept -- consisting of a thermocline-like tank combining layers of solid and phase change filler materials -- has been proposed. This approach was observed to result in lower thermocline degradation throughout charge/discharge cycles, due to the thermal buffering effect of the PCM layers located at both ends of the tank. MLSPCM prototypes designed for a pilot scale plant were numerically tested and compared against other designs of single-tank thermocline systems, such as: solid-filled thermocline, tanks filled with a single encapsulated PCM and cascaded-PCM configurations. Results showed promising results of the MLSPCM configurations for their potential use in CSP plants.
ISSN:0038-092X
1471-1257
DOI:10.1016/j.solener.2015.06.029