Seasonal Solar Thermal Energy Sand-Bed Storage in a Region with Extended Freezing Periods: Part I Experimental Investigation

Abstract

We present the first experimental study of sand-bed thermal energy storage conducted in a region with extended freezing period. The study was carried out on a home situated in Palmer, Alaska, 61.6° N, and 149.1° W. The home is equipped with evacuated tube solar thermal collectors that are connected to a seasonal sand-bed solar thermal energy storage system. Fourteen weeks of data was collected from a period of 28 January 2017 through 7 May 2017. Results suggest that seasonal sand-bed solar thermal storage systems are an excellent option for storing heat for climates in regions with long periods of freezing temperatures. The present study shows a proof of concept of a sand-bed seasonal solar thermal storage that needs additional controls for residential heating application. The system could also be used to provide heat for unoccupied spaces such as garages and greenhouses.

Keywords

• thermal energy storage
• sand-bed
• cold region
• solar energy