Parabolic trough power systems utilizing concentrated solar energy have proven their worth as a means for generating electricity. However, one major aspect preventing the technologies widespread acceptance is the deliverability of energy beyond a narrow window during peak hours of the sun. Thermal storage is a viable option to enhance the dispatchability of the solar energy and an economically feasible option is a thermocline storage system with a low-cost filler material. Utilization of thermocline storage facilities have been studied in the past and this paper hopes to expand upon that knowledge. The heat transfer between the heat transfer fluid and filler materials are governed by two conservation of energy equations, often referred as Schumann [1] equations. We solve these two coupled partial differential equations using Laplace transformation. The initial temperature distribution can be constant, linear or exponential. This flexibility allows us to apply the model to simulate unlimited charging and discharging cycles, similar to a day-to-day operation. The analytical model is used to investigate charging and discharging processes, and energy storage capacity. In an earlier paper [2], the authors presented numerical solution of the Schumann equations using method of characteristics. Comparison between analytical and numerical results shows that they are in very good agreement.
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ASME 2010 4th International Conference on Energy Sustainability
May 17–22, 2010
Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Conference Sponsors:
- Advanced Energy Systems Division and Solar Energy Division
ISBN:
978-0-7918-4395-6
PROCEEDINGS PAPER
Heat Transfer in Thermocline Storage System With Filler Materials: Analytical Model Available to Purchase
Wafaa Karaki,
Wafaa Karaki
University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
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Jon T. Van Lew,
Jon T. Van Lew
University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
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Cho Lik Chan,
Cho Lik Chan
University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
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Jake Stephens
Jake Stephens
US-Solar, Tucson, AZ
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Wafaa Karaki
University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Jon T. Van Lew
University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Peiwen Li
University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Cho Lik Chan
University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ
Jake Stephens
US-Solar, Tucson, AZ
Paper No:
ES2010-90209, pp. 725-734; 10 pages
Published Online:
December 22, 2010
Citation
Karaki, W, Van Lew, JT, Li, P, Chan, CL, & Stephens, J. "Heat Transfer in Thermocline Storage System With Filler Materials: Analytical Model." Proceedings of the ASME 2010 4th International Conference on Energy Sustainability. ASME 2010 4th International Conference on Energy Sustainability, Volume 2. Phoenix, Arizona, USA. May 17–22, 2010. pp. 725-734. ASME. https://doi.org/10.1115/ES2010-90209
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