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Solar-thermal conversion and thermal energy storage of different phase change materials

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A Correction to this article was published on 09 October 2023

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Abstract

In the present study, various phase change materials (PCMs) in combination with thermoelectric device were evaluated to storage solar energy and generate electricity. The PCMs were Rubitherm 35HC and Rubitherm 42, as industrial PCMs, along with margarine, sheep fat oil, and coconut oil, as edible PCMs. The main aim was to improve energy storage and cost-effective continuity of electricity generation in the absence of radiation by PCM with a longer shelf life. The results showed that energy storage materials can significantly impact electricity generation, particularly in the absence of radiation. Also, the storage efficiencies of different PCMs varied significantly when honeycomb fins were used. As a result, Rubitherm 35HC achieved the best performance with a storage efficiency of 71%, while sheep fat oil had the worst performance with a storage efficiency of 27%. Also, Coconut oil, margarine, and Rubitherm 42 recorded the storage efficiencies of 36%, 29%, and 47%, respectively. Rubitherm 35 not only significantly enhanced the energy storage efficiency but also resulted in a notable augmentation of voltage production by over 200%, compared to the circumstance when no PCM is used. Furthermore, the incorporation of honeycomb fins further amplifies this percentage to 222%.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

    Emadoddin Erfani Farsi Eidgah, Mohammad Mustafa Ghafurian, Ali Tavakoli, Ali Mortazavi & Ali Kianifar

  2. Renewable Energy and Micro/Nano Sciences Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran

    Ali Tavakoli

  3. Center for Nanotechnology in Renewable Energies, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, 9177948974, Iran

    Mohammad Mustafa Ghafurian

Authors
  1. Emadoddin Erfani Farsi Eidgah
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  2. Mohammad Mustafa Ghafurian
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  3. Ali Tavakoli
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Correspondence to Ali Kianifar.

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The original online version of this article was revised: The last two sentences in the first paragraph of Introduction section were incorrect. The sentences incorrectly read as “Meanwhile, solar-thermal energy storage [14] photothermal conversion applications. So, extensive efforts have been devoted to energy storage.” should have been “Meanwhile, solar-thermal energy storage [14] plays a vital role in photothermal conversion applications. Consequently, significant efforts have been dedicated to energy storage.”

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Erfani Farsi Eidgah, E., Ghafurian, M.M., Tavakoli, A. et al. Solar-thermal conversion and thermal energy storage of different phase change materials. J Therm Anal Calorim 148, 8051–8060 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10973-023-12276-0

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