Experimental analysis on improving heat storage efficiency of high-temperature packed bed system using spherical capsules filled with MgCl2–KCl–NaCl/Al2O3 nanoparticles composite phase change material

While thermal energy storage (TES) systems are becoming crucial to the stable operation of solar power plants, molten salt packed bed thermal energy storage (PBTES) systems attracted widespread attention due to their wide operating temperature range and low cost. However, achieving high-efficiency thermal storage systems is still a datum challenge to meet the higher energy demand, as well as sustainable development and utilization of renewable energy systems. This study developed spherical capsules employing nanocomposite salts (MgCl 2 –KCl–NaCl/Al 2 O 3 nanoparticles) as composite phase change materials to experimentally study the heat storage process of a high-temperature PBTES prototype experimental system. Also, the heat storage performance of the PBTES system under different operating conditions is further investigated. The results showed that the nanocomposite salt gradually melted along the flow direction of the heat transfer fluid by exhibiting three-stage characteristics including solid phase sensible heat, phase change latent heat, and liquid phase sensible heat. Also, the temperature difference inside and outside the capsules showed the characteristics of peak-trough-peak. The PBTES system reached a heat storage density of 1290.51 MJ m −3 at a thermal efficiency of 86.95 %. The average heat storage rate increased by 49.55 % and the heat storage time was shortened by 29.67 % when the blower speed was increased from 800 r·min −1 to 1200 r·min −1 . The experimental results implied that the PBTES system encapsulating nanocomposite salts has excellent thermal performance. This study demonstrated solving the problems of insufficient thermal energy supply in time or space and improving energy utilization could result in a high-efficiency thermal storage system.