Performance evaluation of a solar air heating system integrated with a phase change materials energy storage tank for efficient thermal energy storage and management

Abstract

This research aims to manage thermal energy in a solar system to make it more functional due to solar energy variability. A parabolic trough collector (PTC) was integrated with a tank of phase change materials (PCMs) to produce hot air with a temperature close to the PCM melting point over a lengthy period. A comprehensive computational fluid dynamic (CFD) model was developed for the system. After model validation, parametric sensitivity analysis was performed and the proper ranges of the effective parameters were attained. Obtained results reveal that the PTC dimensions must be selected based on inlet temperature to the PCM bed as follows that could melt the entire or a part of PCMs. The PTC's length to its aperture ratio, Rl in the range of 0.85–2.25, bed length and diameter greater than 0.9 and 0.35 m, respectively, bed porosity in the range of 0.1–0.5, and inlet air rate in the range of 0.01–0.06 kg/s can satisfy the objectives of the present work. The system can produce up to 1025 m³ of hot air with a temperature of 60 °C and ±2 °C fluctuations during 12.5 h of system operation from the early hours of the day until late at night.