Inno-DSS

Innovative shaped stabilized PCM for direct solar receiver-storage

Publieke samenvatting / Public summary

Aanleiding
There is growing need for flexibility of using the solar energy as one of sustainable energy sources. Due to intermitted nature of solar energy, combining solar collector with a compact thermal energy storage system contributes strongly to the desired flexibility and energy savings while maintaining a secure supply and level of comfort.

Doelstelling
The aim of Inno-DSS project is to develop and characterize a novel shape stabilized PCMs (SSPCMs) for solar-thermal energy conversion and storage. The proposed SSPCMs can act as a photon capture and heater under the solar radiation providing: - Capability of direct solar energy conversion and storage - High light-to-thermal conversion efficiency collectors

Korte omschrijving
In this study, a novel SSPCMs with high light-to-thermal conversion efficiency is proposed for direct solar absorption and storage as well as a thermal battery for solar collectors by addressing following issues: - Investigation of using Nanoclays as a nucleating agent to suppress the supercooling and promote crystallization of salt hydrates which includes: assessment of crystallography, thermo-physical properties as well as their thermal energy storage capability and supercooling degree. - Preparation of SSPCMs with high light-to-thermal conversion efficiency and thermal storage capacity by employing different nano-carbon materials. Moreover, the thermo-physical properties such as thermal conductivity, shape stability, energy storage and light absorption capability of SSPCMs will be investigated. - Developing direct solar collector-storage using the prepared SSPCMs as irradiation absorber and storage medium. A numerical model will be developed to define the design criteria of the system. Moreover, an experimental setup will be built to test the performance of the collector-storage and validate the proposed model.

Resultaat
In Inno-DSS project, an innovative compact direct solar-thermal conversion-storage is developed using a novel SSPCMs. With this system, heat can be stored in compact system and with less losses compared to conventional solar collectors and heat storage systems coupled with hot water tanks.