Abstract
The utilization of Phase Change Material (PCM) for solar heat storage represents an effective solar energy storage method. Nevertheless, this promising technology encounters several obstacles, particularly PCM leakage and dissatisfied solar absorptance. This study focuses on the development of a photothermal conversion composite PCM tailored for solar energy storage and its subsequent integration into a thermoelectric power generation system. The composite PCM was synthesized using an evaporation-impregnation method, with melamine foam (MF) serving as the adsorbent material, graphene oxide (GO) as the light-absorbing component, and sodium acetate trihydrate (SAT) as the thermal storage medium. It is shown that the MF demonstrates an exceptional adsorption capacity for SAT, whose mass fraction exceeds 99 % in the final composite. The composite PCM exhibits a remarkable melting enthalpy of 251.5 J/g, comparable to that of pure SAT. The integration of GO into MF/SAT improves the solar absorptance of the composite, elevating it from 23.3 % to 81.5 %, thereby enhancing the photothermal conversion performance. To assess the practical solar energy storage potential of the prepared PCM, a thermoelectric power generation system was designed and underwent a continuous 22-hour performance test in a real outdoor enviornment. The results reveal that the system is able to maintain voltage generation for about 10 hours after the sun disappears. This proves the superior photothermal conversion and heat storage capabilities of the prepared materials. This research offers a viable approach for direct solar energy storage and conversion to electricity, advancing renewable energy technologies.
Published Version
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