Evaluation of the solar thermal storage of fluidized bed materials for hybrid solar thermo-chemical processes

The use of solid particles as a solar energy transport and storage medium overcomes the intermittency issues for is advantageous development hybrid process that integrates biomass thermal energy. In this study, lab-scale experimental equipment consisted bubbling fluidized bed (55 mm I.D. 200 height) with direct irradiated was designed constructed. Sand, alumina (Al), silica carbide (SiC) 3 different particle sizes (130 µm, 250 370 µm) were used in bed. Due to higher absorption emissivity properties, efficiency SiC than those sand Al. As gas velocities increased from initial minimum fluidization velocity (Umf) 2 Umf, temperature differences between upper lower decreased 470 35 °C because vigorous mixing heat transfer. Also, increase average size resulted decrease due specific surface area velocity. Therefore, transported stored according silicon highest at receiver 21.38%.