Thermal performance assessment and control optimization of a solar-driven seasonal sorption storage system for residential application. (15th January 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Crespo, Alicia; Fernández, Cèsar; Vérez, David; Tarragona, Joan; Borri, Emiliano; Frazzica, Andrea; Cabeza, Luisa F.; de Gracia, Alvaro
• Is Part Of: Energy. Volume 263:Part A(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-01-15
• Subjects: Seasonal thermal energy storage -- Control optimization -- Numerical simulation -- Sorbent water materials -- Sorption storage; Power resources -- Periodicals; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2022.125382
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-5442

Abstract

Abstract: The present paper analyzed the thermal performance and control optimization of a solar system based on seasonal sorption storage for domestic applications. The system control, which could choose between 41 operational modes, was optimized based on operational costs and maximization of sorption system use. The system was composed by 17.5 m 2 of evacuated tube collectors, 3.6 m 3 of composite sorbents based on lithium chloride and a stratified water tank. High efficiency of a sorption storage system was obtained when continuous charges or discharges occur, which, in this study, depended on weather conditions (ambient temperature and solar irradiation). The operational economic benefits were maximized using a sorption system with 9% less capacity and, therefore, less storage volume. The sorption thermal energy storage system obtained energy densities of 90 and 106 kWh/m 3 . The whole system could supply 35% of the total thermal demand of a single family house in Nuremberg. The study concluded that the control optimization of a seasonal sorption system is a key factor to make the technology competitive, define its optimal size and, therefore, maximize its energy density in further designs. Highlights: A solar-driven seasonal sorption storage system was analyzed under optimal control. 35% of the thermal demand of a single-family house located in Central Europe was supplied. Maximum energy density of the sorption storage system of 106 kWh/m 3 was obtained. Control optimization showed minimum operational costs with 9% less sorption storage size.