Computational evaluation of a latent heat energy storage system

•A latent heat energy storage system for use on a satellite in low Earth orbit was evaluated computationally.•The amount of solar irradiation required to fully utilize the phase change material was quantified.•The average temperature of the thermophotovoltaic emitter was predicted. A system capable...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Solar energy 2013-09, Vol.95, p.99-105
Main Authors: Reid, Michael R., Scharfe, David B., Webb, Rebecca N.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Direct energy conversion and energy accumulation
Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering
Electrical power engineering
Energy
Energy accumulation
Equipments, installations and applications
Exact sciences and technology
Natural energy
Phase change material
Photoelectric conversion
Photovoltaic cells
Photovoltaic conversion
Radiative heat transfer
Satellites
Silicon
Solar cells. Photoelectrochemical cells
Solar energy
Solidification
Thermal energy storage
Thermophotovoltaic cell
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Summary:•A latent heat energy storage system for use on a satellite in low Earth orbit was evaluated computationally.•The amount of solar irradiation required to fully utilize the phase change material was quantified.•The average temperature of the thermophotovoltaic emitter was predicted. A system capable of receiving, absorbing, and converting solar energy was designed for use on a satellite in low Earth orbit. The proposed system, an alternative to conventional photovoltaic panels paired with electrochemical batteries, has at the core of its design a latent heat based energy storage system that employs silicon as the phase change material. Thermal to electric conversion is achieved by thermophotovoltaic cells that then provide electrical power for various satellite components. The system was evaluated computationally. Through prediction of the melt and solidification fronts the amount of solar irradiation required to fully utilize the phase change material was determined to be between 4 and 5kW depending on the orbit. The average temperature of the emitter, used to power the thermophotovoltaic cells, was also predicted throughout an orbit. The emitter temperature range, 1450–1850K, is well-suited for use with commercially available gallium antimony cells.
ISSN:0038-092X
1471-1257
DOI:10.1016/j.solener.2013.06.010