Solar Thermal Energy Storage with Phase Change Material - Heat Exchanger Design and Heat Transfer Analysis

摘要

Solar energy is clean and sustainable but intermittent in nature. Efficient storage of solar thermal energy is critical for its wider applications. This paper presents design and research on a thermal energy storage unit using phase change material (PCM). Aprototype of PCM heat exchanger with a helical coil tube was designed and fabricated for solar thermal energy storage, and was tested on a solar thermal experimental apparatus. This paper discusses the design concepts, selection of materials, as well as heat transfer analysis with the CFD tool Ansys Fluent.