PERFORMANCE OF PARAFFIN AS PCM SOLAR THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE K.Kavitha and S.Arumugam

The continuous increase in the level of greenhouse gas emissions and the rise in fuel prices are the main driving forces behind the efforts for more effectively utilize various sources of renewable energy. In many parts of the world direct solar radiation is considered to be one of the most prospective sources of energy. In this study, the thermal performance of a phase change thermal storage device is discussed. The storage unit is a solar wax melting system being developed for latent heat storage studies. Paraffin was used as PCM in thermal energy storage with a melting temperature of 42-50 C.This study is based on experimental results of the PCM employed to analyze the thermal behavior of the storage unit during the charge and discharge periods of the paraffin. The time wise temperatures of the PCM and solar intensity were recorded during the processes of charging. The heat transfer characteristics were studied.