Experimental study of CaCl 2 absorption storage for solar heating

Josh A. Quinnell, Jane H. Davidson

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

This paper describes a novel concept for long-term thermochemical storage for solar heating and presents experimental validation in a large-scale laboratory prototype. The storage tank is intended for a closed-cycle calcium chloride system to provide space conditioning as well as hot water. Solar energy is stored in a concentrated liquid desiccant by desorbing water vapor in the collector. The stored energy is released by rehydrating the concentrated solution in a chemical heat pump. One of the key technical challenges to the long-term storage capacity is control of mass and heat transfer in the tank. This challenge arises because it is imperative to prevent mixing of solutions of different calcium chloride concentration, particularly during charge and discharge. Twodimensional optical measurements of velocity and mass fraction show that during indirect sensible charging of a prototype tank, mixing is minimal. The tank is thermally stratified and analysis of the data indicates that the storage can be maintained on the order of 175 days.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication40th ASES National Solar Conference 2011, SOLAR 2011
Pages309-315
Number of pages7
StatePublished - Dec 1 2011
Event40th ASES National Solar Conference 2011, SOLAR 2011 - Raleigh, NC, United States
Duration: May 17 2011May 20 2011

Publication series

Name40th ASES National Solar Conference 2011, SOLAR 2011
Volume1

Other

Other40th ASES National Solar Conference 2011, SOLAR 2011
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityRaleigh, NC
Period5/17/115/20/11

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