Novel Polymer Fiber-Enhanced Solar Driven Thermochemical Heat Storage (Sola-TES)
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Nottingham
Department Name: Faculty of Engineering
Abstract
The proposed fellowship aims to train a talented early-career researcher while contributing to scientific excellence in the EU by developing a novel thermochemical heat storage (THS) system for storing solar energy (Sola-TES).
Heat storage is a strategic field for decarbonizing building heating, increasing the utilization of intermittent renewables, and providing building energy flexibility. Among the available heat storage methods, THS offers promising advantages, such as higher energy storage density and long-term (i.e. seasonal) heat storage potential, which motivate the applicant to pursue the Sola-TES design. The proposed system employs a novel closed-loop configuration by incorporating a polymeric fiber heat exchanger-based thermochemical reactor, inspired by fibrous plant roots, and a multi-functional plate heat exchanger that switches between condenser and evaporator functions during charging and discharging cycles. The proposed design overcomes the limitations of low efficiency and poor durability of existing THS systems while providing improved process control. Sola-TES will represent a significant step forward in the field of heat storage, offering technological, economic, and social benefits to the EU while supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals. To achieve this beneficial technology, during this fellowship, the applicant will design, fabricate, test, and optimize a lab-scale prototype Sola-TES system. Furthermore, novel composite THS materials will be synthesized for use in the proposed system. The project has been carefully designed to align with Dr. Aydin's expertise and the strengths of the host team in THS materials/processes, solar technologies, and low-carbon buildings, facilitating a two-way knowledge transfer and training. The successful completion of this fellowship will contribute to European excellence in
Heat storage is a strategic field for decarbonizing building heating, increasing the utilization of intermittent renewables, and providing building energy flexibility. Among the available heat storage methods, THS offers promising advantages, such as higher energy storage density and long-term (i.e. seasonal) heat storage potential, which motivate the applicant to pursue the Sola-TES design. The proposed system employs a novel closed-loop configuration by incorporating a polymeric fiber heat exchanger-based thermochemical reactor, inspired by fibrous plant roots, and a multi-functional plate heat exchanger that switches between condenser and evaporator functions during charging and discharging cycles. The proposed design overcomes the limitations of low efficiency and poor durability of existing THS systems while providing improved process control. Sola-TES will represent a significant step forward in the field of heat storage, offering technological, economic, and social benefits to the EU while supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals. To achieve this beneficial technology, during this fellowship, the applicant will design, fabricate, test, and optimize a lab-scale prototype Sola-TES system. Furthermore, novel composite THS materials will be synthesized for use in the proposed system. The project has been carefully designed to align with Dr. Aydin's expertise and the strengths of the host team in THS materials/processes, solar technologies, and low-carbon buildings, facilitating a two-way knowledge transfer and training. The successful completion of this fellowship will contribute to European excellence in