Session: 11-01: Process Heat for Desalination and Industrial Decarbonization

Paper Number: 131442

131442 - Thermodynamic Optimization of Low-Cost Thermal Energy Storage Systems Using Reclaimed Minerals 

Abstract: 

Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, hold immense potential in transitioning towards a sustainable energy future. However, their intermittent nature poses challenges to grid stability. Energy storage solutions, particularly Thermal Energy Storage (TES) systems, have emerged as a promising approach to address this issue and enhance the integration of renewables. This study delves into the development of a TES system that utilizes repurposed minerals as storage material, integrated with a low-temperature zero liquid discharge thermal desalination system.

The integration of TES with desalination processes holds significant promise in mitigating the economic and environmental consequences of ocean water or brackish desalination. By employing TES, the study aims to improve the overall efficiency of the integrated system, contributing to the sustainability of both energy generation and water production.

The research employs a comprehensive thermodynamic analysis, encompassing optimization and sensitivity analyses, to thoroughly investigate the charging and discharging dynamics of the TES system. A detailed thermodynamic model provides valuable insights into the transient behavior of the system under various charge and discharge scenarios.

During the charge cycle, heat is supplied to the TES system through an oil heater and solar heater, employing different strategies such as constant temperature, constant heat transfer rate, and variable heat transfer rate to the heat transfer fluid. This comprehensive examination of charging strategies provides a nuanced understanding of the system's performance under diverse operational conditions.

Subsequently, during the discharge cycle, the Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF) serves as the medium for transporting energy from the Thermal Storage system to a heat exchanger feeding the consumer of heat, i.e., the zero-liquid discharge thermal desalination unit. The investigation explores two discharge scenarios: one with and another without a bypass loop, offering control over the rate of energy discharge from the TES.

These discharge scenarios provide insights into the system's flexibility and adaptability, allowing for optimization of energy transfer based on specific application requirements.

After a 6-hour charge period under either constant heat transfer rate or constant HTF input temperature, the TES medium reached an average temperature of 277 °C and 325 °C, respectively. These findings highlight the system's ability to store and release significant amounts of thermal energy, demonstrating its potential in enhancing the efficiency and reliability of renewable energy integration, particularly in conjunction with thermal desalination processes.

The research contributes to the broader understanding of TES systems and their role in sustainable energy solutions, paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient energy future.

Presenting Author: Tihamer Engel Cal Poly Pomona

Presenting Author Biography: Tihamer is a graduate student at Cal Poly Pomona.

Authors:

Tihamer Engel Cal Poly Pomona
Thomas Sephton Sephton Water Tech
Reza Baghaei Lakeh California State Polytechnic University, Pomona