You can store solar heat energy by using a fluid circulated between two tanks at different temperatures: one at high temperature for storage and one at low temperature.
Understanding Solar Heat Storage
Storing solar heat energy allows you to use the sun's warmth even when it's not shining. This is crucial for applications like heating buildings or generating electricity continuously. One effective method involves thermal energy storage using fluids and tanks.
The Two-Tank System
A common approach utilizes a fluid as the heat transfer and storage medium. The fluid circulates within a system that includes a solar collector and storage tanks.
How the System Works
- Heating the Fluid: Fluid from the low-temperature tank flows through a solar collector or receiver.
- Energy Absorption: In the collector, the fluid absorbs solar energy, significantly increasing its temperature.
- High-Temperature Storage: The now hot fluid flows to the high-temperature tank for storage.
- Heat Utilization: Heat is drawn from the high-temperature tank when needed (e.g., for heating a building or powering a turbine).
- Returning Low-Temperature Fluid: As heat is used, the fluid cools and is often returned to the low-temperature tank, completing the cycle.
This setup effectively separates the stored high-temperature energy from the cooler fluid ready to be reheated.
Key Components
- Solar Collector/Receiver: Captures solar energy and transfers it to the fluid.
- Fluid: A medium (like water, oil, or molten salt) that absorbs, transports, and stores heat.
- Low-Temperature Tank: Holds fluid before it is heated by the sun.
- High-Temperature Tank: Stores the heated fluid, preserving the solar thermal energy.
State of the Fluid in the System
Let's visualize the fluid's journey:
| Fluid State | Location | Temperature | Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cool Fluid | Low-Temperature Tank | Low | Ready for heating |
| Heating Fluid | Solar Collector/Receiver | Increasing | Absorbing solar energy |
| Hot Fluid | High-Temperature Tank | High | Stored energy |
This system provides a practical way to capture intermittent solar energy and make it available on demand.
