Compact Solar-Powered Thermal Energy Storage Battery (SolarHeatStore)

Guangdong is a region with high solar irradiance, making it an ideal location to benefit from solar-based systems to provide domestic hot water (DHW). Despite this, much of the region still relies on fossil fuels, primarily natural gas, to provide its DHW; this not only contributes to pollution in cities, but also causes energy access issues in rural areas. SolarHeatStore aims to improve access to cheap energy and reduce emissions in Guangdong by providing a low cost and easy to install system that will allow households to move from fossil fuels to more sustainable energy sources. The system directly supports UNs sustainable development goal for affordable and clean energy.
The SolarHeatStore system, which will be developed through close collaboration between UK and Chinese partners, will allow solar energy to be stored in a compact unit, which can then be later used to provide DHW. This will bridge the gap between the availability of the solar energy and the DHW demand, a major issue with solar systems. The compact design is achieved through the utilisation of a supercooled (Phase Change Material) PCM, which has an energy density 4 to 5 times higher than water, and allows thermal energy to be stored at room temperature without heat losses. This means that the unit can be used in small dwellings in Guangdong where space is it a premium whilst also reducing carbon emissions and lowering energy costs for the end user.
The project will see prototype systems developed and optimised in both the UK and in China, which will encourage close collaboration and knowledge transfer between the nations. Production of the final product would generate manufacturing opportunities in both the UK and in China.