skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: Performance of direct contact latent heat storage units with two hydrated salts

Journal Article · · Solar Energy (Journal of Solar Energy Science and Engineering); (United States)
 [1];  [2]
  1. Jordan Univ. of Science and Technology, Irbid (Jordan)
  2. Univ. of Basrah (Iraq)

The performance of a direct contact latent heat storage unit, that consists of two columns with different hydrated salts, has been investigated. Na[sub 2]CO[sub 3]-10H[sub 2]O (sodium carbonate decahydrate) and Na[sub 2]S[sub 2]O[sub 3][center dot]5H[sub 2]O (sodium thiosulphate pentahydrate) were contained in separate columns both having an inside diameter and total length of 0.184 m and 1.0 m, respectively. During heat charge, the hot keresone as a heat transfer fluid was bubbled through the sodium thiosulfate solution first. The partially cooled kerosene was then pumped to the second column containing the sodium thiosulfate solution first. The partially cooled kerosene was then pumped to the second column containing the sodium carbonate solution, discharging most of its heat content. Flow direction was reversed during heat discharge. The continuous phase temperature in the two columns, as well as kerosene inlet and outlet temperatures, were measured continuously. Results showed significant improvement in heat transfer rates by using two separate columns containing similar or different salts. The use of a combination of two different salts, having different crystallization temperatures, and contained in different columns connected in series, may provide better means of heat storage by allowing the system to operate as a phase change storage for longer periods of operation. This is particularly suitable for solar energy applications in which the collector temperature may vary significantly during the day.

OSTI ID:
5173538
Journal Information:
Solar Energy (Journal of Solar Energy Science and Engineering); (United States), Vol. 52:2; ISSN 0038-092X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English