Concrete thermal energy storage for steam generation: A numerical investigation

Establishing enhancement methods to develop cost-effective thermal energy storage technology requires a detailed analysis. In this paper, a numerical investigation of the concrete based thermal energy storage system is carried out. The storage system consists of a heat transfer fluid flowing inside the heat exchanger tubes embedded in a cylindrical shape concrete configuration. Three-dimensional multiphysics model of the storage system is developed to investigate transient conjugate heat transfer between the two mediums, the heat transfer fluid, and the concrete. The model comprehends the dynamics of storing thermal energy in the storage at the temperature range of 350??390 C. To evaluate the performance of the storage system using finned heat exchanger tubes, thermal characteristics such as charging/discharging time, energy, and exergy efficiency are predicted. The developed model satisfactorily demonstrates the dynamic behavior of the concrete based thermal storage system and its sub-processes, and thus offers a suitable framework for future investigations leading to an easier and more economical solution.