Performance Analysis of Evacuated Tube Thermal Energy Storage Using Paraffin Wax as Phase Change Material

Abstract

The turn towards alternative energy sources began quite a long time ago, depending on many factors such as the rapid depletion of fossil fuels, the desire to reduce external dependence on meeting energy needs, and a cleaner and greener energy supply. However, both the growing energy demand and population density necessitate the development of more compact systems that will produce more energy in less space, as well as the economic concerns of reducing energy unit costs, constitute a driving force for alternative energy systems to be more efficient in every respect. The word itself ―Solar, describes that we are dealing with some renewable energy source for a thermal energy storage system. The evacuated tube thermal energy storage(TES) has been a popular throughout the world as it is cost effective and easy to maintain. The system is always successful when its efficiency level increases. The TES systems are gaining popularity in India with increasing number of affluent population in society and environmental concerns from seemingly unchanged reliance on fossil-based fuels. The penetration of these systems and technologies into Indian markets is a welcome development; however there is a need for the method of assessment of their thermal performances. Evacuated tube collector system is one of the effective methods for solar thermal energy storage. The usage of evacuated tube collectors is increasing day by day. This paper describes the evacuated tube TES system with respect to its constructional features.