Computational Modeling of Solar Thermal Energy Storage Systems Using Graphene Foams

In an hour, the Earth is impacted with enough solar energy to power the world for an entire year. The best way to expend this renewable source of energy is by storing solar power. Many solar energy harvesting methods only produce power when directly exposed to sunlight. This issue can be resolved by implementing thermal energy storage (TES) systems. This paper presents a novel method for increasing the efficiency of TES systems for building applications. Efficiency is determined by two main factors: heat storage capacity and thermal conductivity. Although latent systems have lower energy storage densities than other types of heat storage technologies, they are an inexpensive and sustainable energy harvesting system. Additionally, the disadvantage associated with lower energy density can be counteracted by improving the charging rate of latent energy storage systems. Therefore, this work focuses on Latent TES systems and how to improve their efficiencies. This paper presents a novel approach for increasing the thermal conductivity of latent heat storage systems using graphene foams. The high thermal conductivity of graphene foam will help counteract the low conductivity of the PCMs with a small sacrifice of the effective latent heat. The expected effect is a doubled charging rate and increased efficiency within the heat storage system.