Analysis of a novel constructal fin tree embedded thermochemical energy storage for buildings applications

• DOI: 10.1016/j.enconman.2022.115542
• Publication Date: 2022-03-31T21:48:49Z
• Authors: K. Kant; R. Pitchumani
• Keywords: 13. Climate action; 0211 other engineering and technologies; 02 engineering and technology; [SPI.MAT] Engineering Sciences [physics]/Materials; 7. Clean energy

Because of long-term and loss-free thermal energy storage, thermochemical materials have great potential to store solar thermal energy for buildings applications. However, this technology has the drawback of poor heat transport in the thermochemical material bed during charging and discharging. This study presents a novel thermochemical energy storage system with an embedded constructal fin tree structure to enhance the discharge process. The influence of the constructal fin design parameters on the energy storage density and Levelized cost of storage is studied to establish design envelopes that satisfy the U.S. Department of Energy Buildings Thermal Energy Storage program requirements, which include a round-trip thermal energy storage density of more than 80 kWh/m3 and storage cost less than $15/kWh. The study reports optimum designs of the constructal fin tree enhanced thermochemical reactor bed based on minimum Levelized cost of storage and maximum energy storage density for building-integrated thermal energy storage applications.