A Review on Thermal Energy Storage Media and Technology for Flat Plate Solar Collectors: Experimental and Modeling Perspectives

Abstract

Solar thermal conversion by collectors used in solar water heating systems solar thermal power generation systems undergo thermal losses. Hence there is need for the application of thermal storage media through appropriate technologies. These technologies require the use of various thermal storage media. A study and detailed discussion on thermal storage methods, sensible heat storage systems, sensible heat storage technologies, thermal storage materials and their applications are the aim of this review paper. This is done through analysis of thermal performance of flat plate solar collector, and the effects of the thermal parameters of the solar thermal storage systems as well as the functioning parameters on heat transfer fluids. Both experimental and modeling work on the application of thermal storage media are analyzed and discussed in this paper. Research findings show that thermal storage media improve the efficiency of solar water collectors by reducing thermal losses by these systems. This review is concluded by identifying various heat storage fluids for flat plate solar collectors which can improve their thermal performance for various heating applications.