THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE USING PCM WITH INTEGRATED SOLAR

Abstract

With the rising need for renewable energy utilization and efficient energy storage, Phase Change Materials (PCMs) have emerged as a promising solution for thermal energy storage (TES) applications. This paper investigates the design, development, and performance analysis of a solarintegrated PCM-based thermal energy storage system capable of storing solar heat during the day and releasing it during non-sunshine hours. Paraffin wax is used as the PCM due to its favorable melting point (58–60°C), chemical stability, and cost-effectiveness. The experimental setup includes a flat plate solar collector (FPSC) coupled with a cylindrical PCM storage tank integrated through a copper heat exchanger loop. The system’s performance was evaluated under varying solar intensities (650– 950 W/m²). Results show that the PCM-based TES unit achieved a maximum storage efficiency of 76.3%, maintaining the outlet temperature above 50°C for 4 hours after sunset. The findings indicate that integrating PCMs in solar systems significantly enhances energy utilization, stabilizes thermal output, and contributes to sustainable heating solutions for domestic and industrial applications