Session: K6-03: HEAT TRANSFER IN ENERGY SYSTEMS - ENERGY STORAGE I

Paper Number: 138014

138014 - Heat Transfer in Particle-Based Thermochemical Energy Storage Reactors 

Abstract: 

Gas-solid thermochemical energy storage (TCES) is a promising technology in storing and utilizing renewable energy such as concentrated solar power (CSP) and excess electricity from all types of renewables such as solar photovoltaics (PV), CSP, wind, hydropower, geothermal and bioenergy power generation, due to its high energy storage density, ultra-long storage period, and high-efficiency power generation at a high discharge temperature. The heat transfer and energy balance in high-temperature TCES reactors necessitates considering of the heat conduction, convection, radiation, and heat absorption/release by endothermic/exothermic reactions. The nominal reactor operating temperatures range from 300 to 1500 ℃, depending on the selected chemistry, reactive material, and heat sources. Particle-based TCES reactors may also involve complex gas-particle, particle-particle, particle-wall, and reactor-environment interactions. This talk will give an overview of particle-based high-temperature TCES reactors, including fixed, moving, rotary, fluidized, and entrained bed reactors (most reported prototype reactors in the literature operate at lab scale with thermal inputs below 40 kW, and scaled TCES reactors, e.g., at megawatt level, are yet to be demonstrated), followed by detailed discussion on the effective heat transfer modeling in various types of TCES reactors. Representative modeling results for lab-scale fixed- and moving-bed reduction and oxidation reactors will be presented. And recommendations for improved TCES reactor design from the heat transfer perspective will be provided.

Presenting Author: Like Li University of Central Florida

Presenting Author Biography: Like Li is an Associate Professor in the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department at the University of Central Florida. Prior to that, he was Associate Professor and Assistant Professor at Mississippi State University. He received his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Florida in 2013. He leads the Thermal Energy Storage and Decarbonization (TESD) Lab focusing on advanced energy storage technologies research, development and demonstration (R&DD) to contribute to the transition to a clean and decarbonized energy future. His group has received funding from federal agencies and industries including the NSF, DOE Solar Energy Technologies Office, NASA, and Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). The current research in his group focuses on fundamental understanding of gas-solid reactions and thermal/chemical transport in complex materials and reactors, characterization of particle flow properties at high temperature, and thermochemical reactors design, development, and demonstration for solar and other renewable energy storage and utilization.

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