Exploring Options for the Application of Azobenzene for Molecular Solar Thermal Energy Storage: Integration with Parabolic Trough Solar Systems

Li Zhang, Changcheng Guo, Yazhu Zhang, Haofeng Wang, Wenjing Liu, Jing Jin, Shaopeng Guo () and Erdem Cuce
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Li Zhang: School of Energy and Environment, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou 014010, China
Changcheng Guo: School of Energy and Environment, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou 014010, China
Yazhu Zhang: School of Energy and Environment, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou 014010, China
Haofeng Wang: School of Energy and Environment, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou 014010, China
Wenjing Liu: School of Energy and Environment, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou 014010, China
Jing Jin: School of Energy and Power Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai 200093, China
Shaopeng Guo: School of Energy and Environment, Inner Mongolia University of Science and Technology, Baotou 014010, China
Erdem Cuce: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Recep Tayyip Erdogan University, Zihni Derin Campus, Rize 53100, Turkey

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 9, 1-19

Abstract: Molecular solar thermal (MOST) energy systems can be utilized for the absorption, storage, and release of energy from the ultraviolet (UV) band of the solar spectrum. In this study, we designed a molecular solar thermal energy storage and release device based on the photoisomerization reaction of azobenzene. The device was integrated with a parabolic trough solar system, broadening the absorption range of the solar spectrum. By utilizing a coated secondary reflector, the system achieved efficient reflection of ultraviolet (UV) light in the 290–490 nm range, while solid-state azobenzene enabled the conversion of photon energy into chemical energy for storage and release. Experimental results under winter outdoor conditions demonstrated that: the secondary reflector significantly enhanced UV light concentration; the molecular solar thermal energy device exhibited remarkable thermal efficiency. Under an average solar irradiance of 302.23 W·m −2 , the device demonstrated excellent thermal performance, with the azobenzene reaching a peak temperature of 42.07 °C. The maximum heat release capacity was measured at 10.89 kJ·kg −1 ·m −1 , while achieving a remarkable heat release power of 29.31 W·kg −1 ·m −1 .

Keywords: molecular solar thermal; azobenzene; spectral splitting; parabolic trough solar system (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: 2025
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