Modeling of a receiver coupled with PCM thermal storage in a solar concentration system

In the perspective of transitioning from fossil fuels, diversifying energy production, and providing an alternative to critical materials, the following thesis aims to analyze a solar receiver, exploring thermal energy storage technologies. The system under consideration is the dish solar concentrator located at the Energy Center, where measurements were conducted using different receiver materials. After the data collection from the receiver and the analysis of the various materials, the next step involved the modeling on COMSOL Multiphysics, which allowed the visualization of the thermal behavior of the receiver and the temperature distribution. Following this, an attempt was made to integrate the basic model with thermal storage using various phase change materials and to find an optimal configuration of operation and internal arrangement. Thermal energy storage systems (TES) represent a technology that has not yet been adequately exploited to date. Compared to electric storage systems, they offer greater flexibility of use and longevity. Futhermore, in most cases, they can entail lower costs, a shorter energy conversion cycle and an easier integration in thermal applications. TES systems have not yet reached technological maturity also because they involve a wide range of materials and engineering solutions, with a greater complexity in terms of development and standardization. Eventually, the study proposes a system for managing the PCM within the receiver, allowing for charging and discharging processes, while also integrating the solar concentration system with an Organic Rankine Cycle, enabling the conversion of heat from the solar concentrator, operating at medium-low temperatures, into electricity. The objective was to decouple solar energy availability from the final electricity generation process, thereby ensuring a more reliable and consistent energy supply.