Computational Evaluation of Latent Heat Energy Storage Using a High Temperature Phase Change Material

Latent heat energy storage systems have higher energy density than their sensible heat counterparts and have the added benefit of constant temperature operation. This work computationally evaluates a thermal energy storage system using molten silicon as a phase change material. A cylindrical receiver, absorber, converter system was evaluated using the heat transfer in solids with surface-to surface radiation physics module of the commercially available COMSOL Multiphysics simulation software. The progression of the solidification and melting fronts through the phase change material was modeled for two different methods of concentrated solar irradiation delivery. Heating the core of the PCM rather than the top of the PCM decreased the required solar input by 17%, decreasing the solar collector area required as well as lowering overall system weight.