Using renewables coupled with thermal energy storage to reduce natural gas consumption in higher temperature commercial/industrial applications
Date
2019
Authors
Jacob, R.
Belusko, M.
Liu, M.
Saman, W.
Bruno, F.
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Journal article
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Renewable Energy, 2019; 131:1035-1046
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Abstract
In the current study the feasibility of using solar-based renewables coupled with thermal energy storage (TES) to displace gas for heating was explored. To assess the feasibility, a numerical model of an air-based encapsulated phase change (EPCM) storage system was developed, validated, optimised, and economically costed. The optimised air-based EPCM system utilised a high and low melting temperature phase change material (PCM) with a sensible storage filler. It was found that a capsule radius of 10 mm and PCM volume of 13% resulted in the lowest cost of discharged thermal energy of $25.55/kWh when storage effectiveness and pumping power was considered. This system was then coupled to solar data for Adelaide, South Australia, to simulate the performance of a 1 MWt heat load over a year. By solving an hourly system generation and demand profile, it was found that a concentrated solar thermal (CST) and photovoltaic (PV) system coupled with TES was able to economically reduce gas consumption by 45–65% when the price of gas was $30/GJ. By employing near-term cost estimates for CST and PV systems coupled with TES, it was found that gas consumption could be reduced by similar amounts with a gas price of $20/GJ.
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Copyright 2018 Elsevier Ltd.