Improvement of thermal energy storage density of parabolic dish solar absorber with organic phase change materials

The enhancement of the thermal storage capacity of the solar absorber using phase change material was investigated in this work. A 16 m(2) paraboloidal dish concentrator was employed to concentrate the solar rays on the absorber. Erythritol and D-Mannitol are selected based on the temperature region of the absorber during the outdoor testing at the test site (Chennai; 13 degrees N, 80 degrees E). The mass flow rate of heat transfer fluid was in the range of 25-150 kg/h. The solar absorber with phase change material will ensure a uniform thermal output during a sudden discontinuity of solar radiation, for a few to several minutes. The absorber is ensured with the uniform temperature. PCM solar absorbers will act as a thermal battery for later use in thermal applications with proper insulation of the absorber.