Nowadays, due to increase in energy consumption, a great deal of fossil fuels
is being used. This latter is a consequence of the present environmental
problems, such as global warming, acid rain, etc. In order to decrease these
problems, the use of renewable energy sources is being promoted. But the
renewable energy sources, particularly solar energy, present the drawback
that there is a mismatch between the energy demand and supply. To cover this
mismatch, the use of phase change thermal energy storage systems is required.
In this work, the behavior of a packed bed latent heat thermal energy storage
system cooperating with solar collector located in south Spain was analyzed
by using a numerical method which based on Finite Volume discretization and
Enthalpy Method. The model was validated by comparing obtained results with
experimental data reported in the literature. The packed bed was composed of
spherical capsules filled with phase change materials usable for a solar
water heating system. The system was designed according to the conditions in
the south Spain and by using commercial components available on the market. A
series of numerical simulations were conducted applying meteorological data
for several months in south Spain, particularly in M?laga.
The role of cool thermal energy storage (CTES) in the integration of renewable energy sources (RES) and peak load reduction
