A Solar Thermal Energy Storage course focuses on the various methods and technologies used to store thermal energy generated from solar sources. The storage of thermal energy allows for the utilization of solar power even when the sun is not shining, providing a more reliable and continuous energy supply. Below are the topics covered in the Solar Thermal Energy Storage course:
1. Introduction to Solar Thermal Energy Storage
1.1 Overview of solar thermal energy and its significance in renewable energy systems.
1.2 Importance of energy storage for solar thermal applications.
1.3 Comparison of different energy storage methods.
2. Sensible Heat Storage
2.1 Sensible heat storage principles and materials.
2.2 Design and operation of thermal energy storage systems.
2.3 Applications of sensible heat storage in solar thermal power plants and heating systems.
3. Latent Heat Storage
3.1 Latent heat storage materials and concepts.
3.2 Phase change materials (PCMs) and their properties.
3.3 Applications of latent heat storage in solar thermal systems.
4. Thermochemical Energy Storage
4.1 Thermochemical reactions for energy storage.
4.2 Different types of thermochemical storage materials.
4.3 Technological challenges and applications in solar thermal systems.
5. Molten Salt Energy Storage
5.1 Molten salt as a popular thermal energy storage medium.
5.2 Properties and advantages of molten salt for high-temperature storage.
5.3 Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plants with molten salt storage.
6. Thermal Energy Storage Systems for Solar Water Heating
6.1 Storage options for solar water heating systems.
6.2 Design considerations for residential and industrial solar water heating with thermal storage.
7. Thermal Energy Storage Systems for Space Heating and Cooling
7.1 Thermal storage in solar space heating applications.
7.2 Seasonal storage for solar space cooling systems.
7.3 Case studies of solar thermal energy storage in space conditioning.
8. Thermocline Energy Storage
8.1 Thermocline storage principles and applications.
8.2 Use of thermocline storage in solar thermal power plants. 8.3 Hybrid storage systems for increased efficiency.
9. Hybrid Energy Storage Systems
9.1 Integration of different storage technologies for improved performance. 9.2 Combined sensible and latent heat storage systems.
9.3 Combined solar thermal and electrical storage systems.
10. Design and Performance Analysis of Solar Thermal Energy Storage
10.1 Modeling and simulation of thermal energy storage systems.
10.2 Efficiency assessment and optimization of storage systems.
10.3 Economic and environmental considerations.
11. Advances in Solar Thermal Energy Storage
11.1 Research and development in thermal energy storage technologies.
11.2 Emerging trends and future prospects.
11.3 Role of thermal energy storage in the overall energy transition.
12. Case Studies and Practical Applications
12.1 Analysis of successful solar thermal energy storage projects.
12.2 Real-world examples of solar thermal energy storage applications.
12.3 Field visits or virtual tours to operational solar thermal systems with storage.