Design of a Concrete-Based Sensible Heat Storage Module Prototype for Solar Heat
Abstract
One of the main challenges associated with solar power is its dependence on sunlight. Previous research has shown that storage systems can help match energy production with its demand. The present work focuses on the design, construction, and evaluation of a concrete-based sensible heat storage module for a solar process heat plant. A combination of experimental, analytical and numerical methods is implemented to evaluate the heat transfer, pressure drop, and capital cost of different design options. After selecting geometry and concrete recipe, a storage module is constructed and operated in a prototype facility for producing hot fluid at 150°C. This is part of a collaborative effort between academic and industrial partners to develop scalable, costeffective solar thermal solutions for industrial processes.
Keywords
Sensible Heat Thermal Energy Storage, Solar heat for industrial process, Concrete, numerical heat transfer, industry-academia collaboration