Magnesium-based thermochemical reactor with multiporous structures for medium-temperature solar applications: Transient modelling of discharge capability

Thermochemical energy storage (TCES) reactions have attractive advantages compared with heat storage methods, such as extremely high energy storage densities (1440 and 3960 MJ m−3), no heat loss, and good transportability. In this study, a thermochemical reactor with gradient porosity using magnesiu...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Solar energy materials and solar cells 2022-05, Vol.238, p.111630, Article 111630
Main Authors: Han, X.C., Xu, H.J., Xu, T., Zhao, C.Y.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Conversion
Energy storage
Flow rates
Flow velocity
Gradient porosity
Heat
Heat loss
Heat storage
Heat transfer
Magnesium
Magnesium-based material
Numerical simulation
Porosity
Reactor design
Reactors
Steam electric power generation
Steam flow
Thermochemical reaction
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Summary:Thermochemical energy storage (TCES) reactions have attractive advantages compared with heat storage methods, such as extremely high energy storage densities (1440 and 3960 MJ m−3), no heat loss, and good transportability. In this study, a thermochemical reactor with gradient porosity using magnesium-based materials is designed. To study the functions and characteristics of thermochemical storage reactors, the related key parameters, such as velocity, temperature, conversion degree, conversion rate, and power, are analysed for the reaction space and heat transfer fluid (HTF) channel. In the heat release process, the highest temperature was 322 °C, and the duration times of the reaction were approximately 360 min, 200 min, 180 min and 75 min for different positions. Compared with the same-porosity condition, the maximum pressure in the gradient-porosity reactor was much lower. The maximum pressure was approximately 1.15 atm, 1.98 atm, 4.1 atm and 6.9 atm with different mixed steam flow rates, and the total power in the reaction process was approximately 190 W. In the HTF channel, the highest temperature was 295 °C, and it remained consistent for 250–270 min. The present model provides a valuable reference for practical engineering applications. •The structure of a thermochemical reactor with gradient pores was designed.•Mathematical model of thermochemical heat storage was established and verified.•The numerical simulations of various working conditions were carried out.•The working conditions between gradient pore and unified pore are compared.•The heat extraction process in a thermochemical reactor was characterized.
ISSN:0927-0248
1879-3398
DOI:10.1016/j.solmat.2022.111630