Optimization of System Parameters of Packed Bed Solar Energy Storage System having Storage Material Elements of Large Size

ABSTRACT

Major concern for design of a packed bed solar energy storage system is to maximize heat transfer during charging and discharging phase by spending minimum amount of pumping power. Shape of the material elements and void fraction of the bed are the system parameters for a given material size, which could affect heat transfer and pressure drop in the bed considerably. In the present study, simulation has been carried out to evaluate optimum values of system parameters in order to have the best thermo hydraulic performance of packed bed solar energy storage system. Five different shapes of large size material elements have been analyzed to carry out the present optimization study. In order to select optimum values of system parameters under the given operating conditions, design plots have been prepared and presented in the paper.

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