System performance analyses of sulfur-based thermal energy storage

• Published in: Energy (Oxford) Vol. 195; p. 116996
• Main Authors: Wang, Y., Barde, A., Jin, K., Wirz, R.E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 15.03.2020; Elsevier BV
• Subjects: Aspect ratio; Design; Design parameters; Energy storage; Exergy; Flow rates; Heat transfer; High temperature; Low cost; Mass flow rate; Mathematical models; Numerical models; Parameter identification; Sulfur; System design strategy; System-level performance; Systems design; Thermal batteries; Thermal energy; Thermal energy storage (TES); Two dimensional models; System-level performance; Thermal energy storage (TES); Sulfur; System design strategy
• ISSN: 0360-5442; 1873-6785
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2020.116996

Elemental sulfur is a promising storage material for low to high temperature thermal energy storage (TES) applications due to its high chemical stability, high heat transfer rate, and low cost. In this study, we investigate the performance of sulfur-based TES systems (SulfurTES) in a single-tank thermal battery configuration. In general, the results show that a moderate shell aspect ratio and standard tube diameters can be used to provide a range of high performance. An experimentally validated 2D numerical model is used here. The model predicts system-level performance based on the energetic and exergetic efficiencies for a range of geometric parameters and operating mass flow rates. This analysis shows the competing effects of the design and operating conditions on the performance parameters, and reveals governing parameter spaces unique to the specified performance targets. We have proposed a strategy to identify this parameter space, for which, the SulfurTES system will achieve required thermal performance, and a design procedure to incorporate such parameter space in system design. This work provides a systematic approach in TES performance investigation, and establishes an important framework to design industrial-scale SulfurTES systems that will offer high thermal performance using low-cost materials. •A high-fidelity numerical model is developed for sulfur-based thermal energy storage system with experimental validation.•The model is employed to perform a parametric study that reveals relationship between design/operation and system performance.•A design strategy is formulated to determine appropriate system design and operation that provides attractive performance.•The study proposes a systematic approach for TES performance investigation and sound basis for cost analysis.