Modeling and simulation of nano-enriched latent heat thermal storage system for concentrated solar energy

Abstract

This study conducts a comprehensive investigation into latent heat thermal storage (LHTS) systems specifically designed for concentrated solar energy, primarily focusing on augmenting energy storage efficiency. The enhancement of storage systems is critical for augmenting the production capacity of solar systems, thereby significantly improving their overall annual performance. Utilizing the computational capabilities of the COMSOL, a thorough analysis is conducted. The research essentially focuses on potential enhancements in the LHTS, concentrating on applications of concentrated solar energy. The selected phase change material (PCM) is assessed concerning its intrinsic thermal properties and potential for optimization, especially by incorporating high-quality nanoparticles with advanced thermal properties. The obtained simulation results robustly indicate that integrating nanoparticles into the storage medium presents a viable strategy for boosting the efficiency and stability of concentrated solar systems. Moreover, the results demonstrate that using nano-enriched PCM decreases the charging time by 8.6 to 12.5 %, underscoring the effectiveness of this approach.