Abstract
Performance indicators for a solar pipe system in which solar radiation is stored as latent heat of a phase changing material are proposed. These performance indicators are aimed at serving as a yardstick by which such multivariables systems are evaluated. The indicators are the melt and solidification times obtained for standardized systems and conditions. These indicator enable the comparison between the suitability of systems with different materials and configurations to store and release thermal energy. The indicators are obtained from numerical solutions of the nonlinear heat conduction problem of the axisymmetric liquid-solid interface motion within the solar pipe. Longitudinal dimension required for the determination of the solidification time is added by an axial superposition of axisymmetric sections. This simplified approach enables a simple numerical solution for an otherwise complicated problem. Estimates of performance characteristics that are based on a simplified model and realistic materials point to the practical potential of solar pipe utilization.
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