In a study spearheaded by researchers, including a co-author Rezaei from Near East University, a novel solar-driven sorption energy storage system has been successfully tested under the real climatic conditions of Famagusta, North Cyprus. This innovative research highlights the potential of utilizing solar energy for efficient and sustainable energy storage, a critical aspect in the quest for renewable energy solutions.
The study focused on the use of vermiculite–CaCl2 as the working material, chosen for its high energy density, robust cyclic performance, and affordability. This selection underscores a strategic move towards materials that are not only effective in energy storage but also economically viable, addressing a common barrier in renewable energy technologies.
Employing a specially designed solar-driven thermochemical heat storage system, the team conducted three series of charging and discharging experiments. These experiments, carried out during nighttime over a duration of five hours, revealed an impressive average energy output of 2.1 kWh across three cycles. Remarkably, the system achieved an average energy storage density of 156 kWh/m3, showcasing the high efficiency and potential of this technology for real-world applications.
Central to the system’s operation was a manufactured parabolic solar concentrator, which provided the necessary thermal energy for the charging process. This process achieved an average surface temperature of the reactor between 78°C and 83°C, with an average solar energy supply of 5.56 kWh and a desorption energy of 1.75 kWh used in the charging phase. The rate of moisture desorption was noted at 6.5 g/min, while the system exhibited a thermo-cyclic efficiency of 38%.
This study not only demonstrates the feasibility of solar-driven sorption energy storage under actual climatic conditions but also paves the way for the development of renewable energy storage solutions that are both efficient and sustainable. The findings offer promising insights into the potential for integrating such technologies into the broader energy grid, contributing to the reduction of fossil fuel dependence and advancing the global shift towards renewable energy sources.
More Information:
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/09544089221111585
