Research

A solar combi-system utilizing stable supercooling of sodium acetate trihydrate for heat storage: Numerical performance investigation

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Abstract

To reduce the energy consumption of buildings significantly, a novel solar combi-system with short and longterm heat storage has been developed. A system prototype with 22.4m2 (aperture) evacuated tubular collectors, a 735 L water tank and 4 phase change material (PCM) units each containing 150 L sodium acetate trihydrate composite has been built. Experimental investigation has shown advantages of utilization of stable supercooling of sodium acetate trihydrate in spring and autumn. In this paper, a newly developed numerical model was used to investigate the performance potential of the system with combined utilization of the water tank and the PCM units, including on-demand crystallization of supercooled sodium acetate trihydrate composites. PCM units, the water tank and the collector circuit models were validated with measurement data from system demonstration. Space heating and hot water demand patterns of a Danish single-family Passive House with a yearly heat demand of 3723 kWh were applied. Results showed that a 56% annual solar fraction of heat supply was achieved with the prototype specifications. A 69% solar fraction could be achieved with an optimized scenario including a 15% increased hot water demand. Sensitivity analysis of component sizing showed that PCM units of 200 L can be more efficiently used with a 0.6m3 water tank. Optimal solar collector array tilt was 70°. Aperture areas between 12.8 and 22.4m2 were found adequate for frequent utilization of a PCM volume up to 1m3. Thus, the PCM heat storage capacity could be utilized at least 5.5 times a year. With a 22.4m2 collector area and 5 PCM units of 200 L each, a solar fraction of 71% was calculated for the annual heat supply. Assuming full charge of a 0.6m3 water tank and 2.8m3 of sodium acetate trihydrate composite by electricity at the beginning of the year, the system could run 18 days without need for auxiliary heating. Thus, in periods without solar collector power available, generation maxima of wind power could be utilized. In conclusion, building heat demand could be covered close to 100% by renewable energy resources.