MIT-WPU Researchers Develop Solar Thermal Energy Storage System for Hot Water Availability After Sunset

MIT-WPU researchers develop solar thermal system storage system using phase-change material for hot water availability after sunset. The initiative is done to reduce fossil fuel dependence and boost renewable energy. Read below to know more. 

MIT-WPU Researchers Develop Solar Thermal Energy Storage System for Hot Water Availability After Sunset

MIT-WPU, Pune have developed a solar thermal energy storage system. The researchers have claimed that the storage system can store excess heat in a phase-change material (PCM)-based battery that can be used after sunset. This innovation developed by Dr Anita Nene and Dr. Rohit Ghadge from MIT-WPU’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, combines a Scheffler Solar Concerntrator with a thermal storage capsule containing paraffin wax, a phase change material capable of storing and releasing large amount of heat. 

About Solar Thermal Energy Storage System

The technology address one of the biggest challenges associated with solar energy- its intermittent availability. Scheffler Solar Concentrator is a parabolic solar thermal reflector that tracks the sun while keeping its focal point fixed. The technology can be used for applications like cooking and industry process heating. 

Overall, the system incorporates a detachable PCM tube, a water-jacket heat transfer mechanism, and polyurethane insulation to maximise heat retention and energy utlisation. 

According to the researchers, the technology achieved completing thermal charging in 18 minutes and complete discharge in 32 minutes during laboratory-scale testing. In addition, the system continued supplying hot water after the solar input was removed. The prototype stores approximately 1.5 to 2 kWh of thermal energy and can maintain water temperatures between 50 to 60 degrees Celsius for upto 14 hours after charging. 

Limitations and Challenges

One of the major limitations faced while developing this technology is that it is available only when the sun is shining. Our objective was to develop a simple, cost-effective and sustainable thermal storage solution that can be available wherever needed,” said Dr Nene. 

The technology is currently at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 7 and is being prepared for pilot deployments in real-world environments. The researchers or currently exploring collaborations with industry partners for pilot deployment and commercialisation. The next phase of development will focus on field trials, performance optimisation, and scale-up for commercial deployment,” Dr Nene said.