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Design and Development of PCM based Pilot Solar Hybrid Thermal Storage System for Low Temperature Application

Subcategory (under Clean Energy): Solar (thermal)
Technology Readiness Level (TRL): TRL 4 - Early prototype
Technology Outline (Process Description)

This research work has innovated a technology that could bridge a demand supply gap caused by the non-availability of solar energy during off-sunshine durations. By adopting this Parabolic Trough Collectors – Thermal Energy Storage System (PTC-TES) integrated technology, the excess energy generated during the sunshine duration has been utilized to charge the PCM and the energy accumulated has been utilized to cook during the off-sunshine duration. The control system was designed to integrate the performance of the PTCs, steam supply and TES system. If there is a drop in the incident solar radiation, the system will automatically switch over to LPG based steam generation to ensure uninterrupted steam supply. Further, if the steam supply from the TES ceases, the control system will automatically switch to operate the PTCs. If the solar radiation is assessed to be insufficient, then the control system automatically fires the LPG boiler.

Salient Features/Advantages

  • Steam generation at 7 bar and 115oC (40 kW – Thermal)
  • Steam released within 10 minutes of starting
  • 85% redraw efficiency after 24 hours with minimal insulation loss
  • Four day holding capacity
  • High energy density while discharging is achieved due to high heat transfer area

Key Outcomes

  • Makes solar concentrating system’s viable and Suitable for intermittent applications like institutional cooking
  • Seamless hybridization of PTC system, thermal storage and LPG

IP Protection details

  • Patent filed (Title, national/International): Nil
  • Patents Granted: Nil
  • Copyrights obtained /progress on commercialisation /Pl. specify connect with industry: Nil

Contact details (for more information)

  • Nodal Person name: Dr R Velavan / Dr K Kannan
  • Email ID: vel.mech@psgtech.ac.in
  • Organisation name (Relevant link/web page): PSG College of Technology Peelamedu
Supporting Photographs/Images

Organizations involved in the development (logo/name)

PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore

Greenera Energy India Private Limited, Coimbatore

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