Phase Change Storage in Solar Pipes

Abstract

In order to lower the price of solar energy absorption, the possibility of storing the energy with phase change materials is investigated. A solar pipe is composed of two concentric pipes such that the space between them is filled with phase changing materials (P.C.M.'s). Solar radiation is absorbed by the outer pipe's surface and transmitted to the P.C.M. Both sensible and latent heat of the P.C.M. is used for the heat storage. Water passing in the inner pipe absorbes the heat from the P.C.M. in order to deliver the energy demand. The use of such arrangements for both collection and storage of solar energy is investigated.