Short answer
For solar thermal power systems requiring efficient thermal energy storage, consider a modular, cascaded design and select materials that offer both performance and resource efficiency.
- Field
- Modelling
- Source
- Energy Procedia (2015)
- Method
- Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling and Effectiveness-Number of Transfer Unit (NTU) method.
- Evidence
- Strong effect
Implementing a cascaded shell and tube latent heat storage system in series can significantly enhance the effectiveness of sensible energy extraction for solar tower power plants utilizing supercritical CO2 Brayton cycles. This modelling research insight is drawn from a 2015 study published in Energy Procedia. Using Computational fluid dynamics (cfd) modelling and effectiveness-number of transfer unit (ntu) method., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: For solar thermal power systems requiring efficient thermal energy storage, consider a modular, cascaded design and select materials that offer both performance and resource efficiency.
Cascaded Latent Heat Storage Boosts s-CO2 Power Cycle Efficiency
Implementing a cascaded shell and tube latent heat storage system in series can significantly enhance the effectiveness of sensible energy extraction for solar tower power plants utilizing supercritical CO2 Brayton cycles.
Energy Procedia · 2015
Key Findings
- 01Increasing the number of phase change storage systems in series improves the effectiveness of extracted sensible energy.
- 02Using creep-resistant SS AISI 446 as the tube material can reduce the overall material required for the storage system.
Application
Design takeaway
For solar thermal power systems requiring efficient thermal energy storage, consider a modular, cascaded design and select materials that offer both performance and resource efficiency.
How to apply
When designing thermal energy storage for intermittent renewable sources, explore cascaded configurations and evaluate material properties for optimal performance and reduced environmental impact.
Project actions
- 01When modelling thermal systems, clearly define your boundary conditions and material properties.
- 02Consider how system components can be arranged in series or parallel to optimize performance.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Utilizes advanced modelling techniques (CFD) for detailed analysis.
- +Considers practical aspects like material selection for optimization.
Limitations
The computational resources required for detailed CFD modelling can be significant. Simplifying assumptions made in the model may not fully represent real-world conditions.
Reliability & validity
The reliability of the CFD model depends on mesh independence studies and validation against experimental data or established correlations. Validity is enhanced by considering realistic operating conditions and material properties.
Think critically
How might the increased complexity of a cascaded system impact maintenance and operational costs compared to a single, larger storage unit?
Design Principles
"System modularity and material selection are key levers for optimizing energy storage performance and resource utilization."
This research offers a pathway to optimize thermal energy storage for next-generation solar power generation. By improving energy extraction efficiency, designers can create more reliable and cost-effective solar thermal power plants that better meet fluctuating energy demands.
What This Means for Your Design
Putting several heat storage units one after another (in series) makes it easier to get the stored heat out for use, and using a specific type of steel can mean you need less material overall.
How to use in your project
- 1.This study can inform the design and simulation of thermal energy storage components within a larger design project.
- 2.The findings can be used to justify design choices related to system configuration and material selection for energy storage solutions.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
The investigation into cascaded latent heat storage systems for solar tower power plants demonstrates that arranging multiple storage units in series can significantly enhance sensible energy extraction effectiveness. This approach, supported by computational fluid dynamics modelling, offers a practical strategy for optimizing thermal energy storage performance in renewable energy applications, with material selection, such as the use of AISI 446 stainless steel, further contributing to resource efficiency.
Source
Energy Procedia
Investigation of Cascaded Shell and Tube Latent Heat Storage Systems for Solar Tower Power Plants
journal · 2015
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about cascaded latent heat storage boosts s-co2 power cycle efficiency?
- For solar thermal power systems requiring efficient thermal energy storage, consider a modular, cascaded design and select materials that offer both performance and resource efficiency. Evidence: Energy Procedia (2015).
- Why does "Cascaded Latent Heat Storage Boosts s-CO2 Power Cycle Efficiency" matter for design?
- This research offers a pathway to optimize thermal energy storage for next-generation solar power generation. By improving energy extraction efficiency, designers can create more reliable and cost-effective solar thermal power plants that better meet fluctuating energy demands.
- How can designers apply this research?
- For solar thermal power systems requiring efficient thermal energy storage, consider a modular, cascaded design and select materials that offer both performance and resource efficiency.
- What were the main findings?
- Increasing the number of phase change storage systems in series improves the effectiveness of extracted sensible energy.. Using creep-resistant SS AISI 446 as the tube material can reduce the overall material required for the storage system.
- What research method was used?
- Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modelling and Effectiveness-Number of Transfer Unit (NTU) method..
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2015 journal from Energy Procedia.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When designing thermal energy storage for intermittent renewable sources, explore cascaded configurations and evaluate material properties for optimal performance and reduced environmental impact.
- What are the limitations?
- The study focuses on a specific type of storage system and cycle; results may vary for different configurations or working fluids. The CFD model's accuracy depends on the mesh resolution and turbulence model chosen.