TechSOLSTOR | Thermochemical Solar Collector and Storage; One Breakthrough Technology for Multiple Challenges

The present project proposes a game-changing integrated technology of solar Parabolic Trough Collectors (PTCs) and Thermochemical Energy Storage (TCES) systems. This solution is primarily proposed to solve the technical challenges of TCES systems, namely material agglomeration over time and non-uniform heat distribution throughout the material within the reactor. However, on top of this, the system will also be capable of storing the captured fluctuating solar heat at a reduced cost and higher overall efficiency, giving solar thermal systems a totally new competitive edge for a wide range of applications. In this novel integrated design, the central receiver tube of the PTC will act as the dehydration reactor of a metal hydroxide stream (calcium hydroxide as the primary choice). Then, the dehydrated materials and separated water vapor (after condensation) are stored in separate tanks for the reverse reaction, to release heat via an exothermic reaction through a hydration reactor whenever needed. With the main hypothesis that the uniform flow of reactive material can effectively be controlled and helpful for its agglomeration prevention, TechSOLSTOR aims at laying the first stone of research on this technology and pushing the edges of the state-of-the-art through a) developing the theoretical foundation of the whole process of solar heat capturing/storing, b) developing the most optimal and compatible design of the PTC with the thermochemical process, and c) techno-economic and environmental evaluation of the technology. The project will develop the fundamental theories and methods to design, optimize, and test the innovatively operating solar PTC. The outcome is a highly efficient collector that will be a competitive candidate for mid-temperature solar heat collection and storage for a wide range of applications, which could also be further developed for lower and higher temperatures through future research building upon the developed knowledge in TechSOLSTOR.