Modeling and CFD Analysis of Thermal storage phase change materials integrated in solar receivers

Micro Gas Turbine (MGT) devices based on solar dishes have the potential to be fascinating small-scale power stations, in off-grid or mini -grid contexts for electricity as well as poly-generation production. The solar receiver which shall work at high temperature and concentrated sun radiant energy is by far the most challenging part on such an arrangements. Consistency of thermal energy input to the MGT is the key factor since they are affected by temperature changes caused by the natural variations occurs in the solar flux. Nevertheless, in order to prevent this effect, new generation of solar receiver is suggested integrating with Phase Change Material (PCM). The proposed CSP system is located at the Energy Center (Turin), Italy. The geometry is shaped with a cylindrical confinement material included the PCM, and 12 tubes to make the fluid (Air) flow. In this discussion we focused on an ideal design of the receiver depending on the desirable input variables. To evaluate beforehand the impact of several controlling parameters on the temperature, quantitative simulations have been done by using Comsol Multiphysics software in which a CFD analysis is applied. Heat transfer through solids and fluids applied in our model in order to estimate the transmission of the heat along the tubes. The cavity dimensions, solar incident flux, air outlet and hot wall temperatures are the criteria imposed in this study. According to MGT specifications, group of PCMs have been shortlisted based on their suitable properties. These PCM’s have a melting point even more than 800 ℃ and a latent heat of fusion greater than 500 kJ/kg. we discussed the variation of temperature by imposing time dependent study with an appropriate time step, the targets period started from May to July.