Evaluation and modeling of a solar collector containing a thermal storage unit

Evaluation and modeling of a solar collector containing a thermal storage unit

E.H. SEBBAR, N. ERAZA, N. LAAROUSSI, A. AIT MSAAD, M. MANSOUR

Abstract. This study utilizes solar energy-saving methods, concentrating on thermal energy storage (TES) through the employment of a thermal storage unit and a solar collector. Using phase change materials (PCM), the integration of a thermal energy storage system in a solar collector is studied numerically. The behavior of the PCM during the three-day loading and unloading phase is the main focus of this investigation. The PCM in the solar collector was modeled using the enthalpy-porosity approach. This method faithfully replicates the PCM’s melting and solidification procedures for heat transport. The location of the PCM in the collector and how to relate the mass flow rate with the temperature of the fluid were studied in detail to optimize the efficiency of thermal energy storage and heat production by the collector. The final results of the study are presented and discussed based on performance parameters including outlet temperature, liquid fraction, and melting and solidification process under different operating conditions.

Keywords
Fusion/Solidification, Solar Collector, Thermal Energy Storage

Published online 1/10/2025, 10 pages
Copyright © 2025 by the author(s)
Published under license by Materials Research Forum LLC., Millersville PA, USA

Citation: E.H. SEBBAR, N. ERAZA, N. LAAROUSSI, A. AIT MSAAD, M. MANSOUR, Evaluation and modeling of a solar collector containing a thermal storage unit, Materials Research Proceedings, Vol. 47, pp 309-318, 2025

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644903391-36

The article was published as article 36 of the book Vernacular Architecture

Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.

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