Development and prototype testing of MgCl 2 /graphite foam latent heat thermal energy storage system

Journal Article · Mon Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 2018 · Solar Energy

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solener.2017.10.084· OSTI ID:1426774

Singh, Dileep; Yu, Wenhua; Zhao, Weihuan; Kim, Taeil; France, David M.; Smith, Roger K.

Composites of graphite foam infiltrated with a magnesium chloride phase-change material have been developed as high-temperature thermal energy storage media for concentrated solar power applications. This storage medium provides a high thermal energy storage density, a narrow operating temperature range, and excellent heat transfer characteristics. In this study, experimental investigations were conducted on laboratory-scale prototypes with magnesium chloride/graphite foam composite as the latent heat thermal energy storage system. Prototypes were designed and built to monitor the melt front movement during the charging/discharging tests. A test loop was built to ensure the charging/discharging of the prototypes at temperatures > 700 degrees C. Repeated thermal cycling experiments were carried out on the fabricated prototypes, and the experimental temperature profiles were compared to the predicted results from numerical simulations using COMSOL Multiphysics software. Experimental results were found to be in good agreement with the simulations to validate the thermal models.

• Research Organization: Argonne National Laboratory (ANL)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) - Office of Solar Energy Technology (SETO) - SunShot Initiative
• DOE Contract Number: AC02-06CH11357
• OSTI ID: 1426774
• Journal Information: Solar Energy, Journal Name: Solar Energy Journal Issue: C Vol. 159; ISSN 0038-092X
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English