Using Thermal Energy Storage to Replace Natural Gas in Commercial/Industrial Applications.

In the current study the feasibility of using concentrated solar power (CSP) coupled with thermal energy storage (TES) to displace gas for heating was explored. To assess the feasibility, a numerical model of an air-based encapsulated phase change storage system was developed, validated, optimised, and economically costed. The optimised air-based EPCM system utilised a high and low melting temperature PCM with a sensible filler. It was found that a capsule radius of 10 mm and PCM volume of 13 % resulted in the lowest cost of discharged energy of $25.55/kWht. This system was then coupled to typical meteorological year (TMY) solar data for Adelaide, South Australia, to simulate performance of a 1 MWt heat load over a year. By solving an hourly system generation and demand profile, it was found that the system could provide an economical alternative to gas when the gas price was $20/GJ for a variety of demand profiles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]