Design a solar harvester system capturing light and thermal energy coupled with a novel direct thermal energy storage and nanoparticles

Abstract

The use of direct thermal energy storage can improve the reliability of solar dish technology by providing a steady source of heat, even when solar radiation levels are low or intermittent. In this experimental study, a solar-thermal hybrid system that transmits light to interior photovoltaic panels through an optical fiber while producing hot household water was developed. The system employs a parabolic solar dish (PSD) with a cylindrical solar receiver designed to capture both heat and solar radiation. Fiber optics are used to transport light from the solar collector to the building as a source of illumination. To improve the system efficiency, a design of a direct storage system with phase change material (PCM) of petroleum Jelly was employed in this experimental work to heat water for a longer discharge duration. Furthermore, Al2O3 nanoparticles account for 1% of the total volume of the PCM material are added to the PCM material to improve heat transfer during heat charge and discharge. In addition, a low-cost two-axis tracking system for a PSD was developed. The study examined the efficiency of the system and analyzed the temperature profiles inside the solar receiver using a direct energy storage system. The discharge time is approximately six hours with a water temperature of more than 30 °C. The results revealed that the use of Al2O3 nanoparticles boosted thermal efficiency by around 5.68%. The proposed system could assist in solving the limited space challenges by utilizing the roof of the building.