Studying the Improvement of Solar Collector Mechanism with Phase Change Materials

Maha Rahman Rahi, Saba Ostadi, Amin Rahmani, Mahdieh Dibaj and Mohammad Akrami ()
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Maha Rahman Rahi: College of Engineering, Samarra University, Samara 443086, Iraq
Saba Ostadi: Department of Engineering, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QF, UK
Amin Rahmani: Department of Engineering, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QF, UK
Mahdieh Dibaj: Department of Engineering, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QF, UK
Mohammad Akrami: Department of Engineering, University of Exeter, Exeter EX4 4QF, UK

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 6, 1-22

Abstract: This study delves into the integration of phase change materials (PCM) in solar thermal collector systems to address this challenge. By incorporating nano encapsulated PCMs, researchers have mitigated concerns surrounding PCM leakage, revolutionizing the potential of solar collector systems to elevate energy efficiency, diminish carbon emissions, and yield manifold benefits. This article comprehensively investigates the design and utilization of solar phase change energy storage devices and examines the transformative impact of employing nano-coated phase change materials (Nano capsules) to augment solar collector performance. The integration of paraffin-based PCM and the insulation of the collector system have been crucial in optimizing heat retention and operational efficacy. The composition of the PCM involves a balanced blend of octadecane phase-change particles and water as the base fluid, designed to maximize thermal performance. Analysis of the experimental findings demonstrates the dynamic thermal behavior of the nano encapsulated phase change material, revealing distinctive temperature profiles about fluid dynamics and absorbent characteristics. Notably, the study emphasizes the nuanced trade-offs associated with the conductivity and melting temperature of the Nano encapsulated PCM, yielding valuable insights into energy storage capacity limitations and thermal performance variations throughout diurnal cycles. Central to the investigation, the optimal nanoparticle proportion is elucidated, shedding light on its pivotal role in modulating PCM performance. Furthermore, findings underscore the complex interplay between nanoparticle volume fraction and thermal fluid temperature, providing critical perspectives on optimizing PCM-enhanced solar collector systems.

Keywords: PCM; nano encapsulated phase change material; solar collector; solar collector efficiency (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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