Development of a self-insulated packed bed storage for high temperature solar thermal applications - 2024/2026

This project proposes the creation of a self-insulated packed bed thermal energy storage system designed to operate at high temperatures for solar thermal applications. Specifically, it aims to analyze the thermodynamics of storage, optimize packed bed topologies, and manipulate porosity distribution to enhance thermal efficiency, reduce losses, and maintain stable performance under demanding conditions.

By incorporating internal insulation or structural design strategies, the goal is to minimize heat losses during discharge or standby periods—an essential factor in applications where maintaining high temperatures is critical. The ultimate objective is to enable the integration of this storage system into concentrated solar power (CSP) plants or other industrial systems requiring continuous heat supply, thereby improving their reliability and operational capacity.

Grant Program: FONDECYT

Project Duration: 24 months

Principal Investigators: José Miguel Cardemil, Rodrigo Escobar