Experimental and numerical investigation of potential filler materials for thermal oil thermocline storage

摘要

A thermal energy storage system (TES) is a key technology to ensure continuous power supply from solar thermal power plants. Choosing the appropriate storage method and the suitable material for energy storage remains a major challenge in research and development in the solar power field. The sensible heat storage in solid media using thermocline system is a significant cost-effective option when compared to liquid storage material in two tank system. An incorporation of this potential concept is the oil/rock thermocline system which is based on the direct contact between natural rocks chosen as filler material and thermal oil as the heat transfer fluid (HTF), and it is used in the Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plants.