Zur Reduzierung von Treibhausgasemissionen und Energiekosten in der Industrie kann die Steigerung der Energieeffizienz durch Nutzung der verfügbaren Abwärme einen wichtigen Beitrag leisten. Mit den Methoden der Wärmeintegration kann das Abwärmepotenzial quantifiziert und systematisch Maßnahmen zur Nutzung von Abwärme identifiziert werden. Durch die mathematische Optimierung des Wärmetransports von Wärmequellen hin zu Wärmesenken kann ein Wärmeübertrager Netzwerk gebildet werden. Hierbei können je nach Formulierung der Zielfunktion des Optimierungsproblems der benötigte Energiebedarf, die Kosten oder Treibhausgasemissionen minimiert werden. In dieser Arbeit wird ein Ansatz für mehrperiodische Optimierungsprobleme weiterentwickelt und um die Einbindung von sensiblen und latenten thermischen Energiespeichern erweitert. Die Berücksichtigung des Phasenwechsels erfolgt mit Hilfe einer intervallweise linearen Funktion der Speichertemperatur. Durch Einführen von Binärvariablen erfolgt eine Berücksichtigung des jeweils relevanten Intervalls. Darüber hinaus wird eine Methode zur Berücksichtigung von Wärmeverlusten der Rohrleitungen vorgestellt. Die entwickelten Methoden werden in einem Fallbeispiel aus der Textilindustrie angewendet und im Rahmen von Sensitivitätsanalysen ausgewählte Einflussfaktoren untersucht. / Increasing the energy efficiency by using available waste heat can make an important contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and energy costs in the industry. Heat integration methods can be used to quantify the waste heat potential and systematically identify measures for waste heat utilization. By mathematically optimizing the heat transport from heat sources to heat sinks, a heat exchanger network can be designed. Depending on the formulation of the objective function of the optimization problem, the required energy demand, costs or greenhouse gas emissions can be minimized. In this work, an approach for multiperiod optimization problems is further developed and extended to include sensible and latent thermal energy storage. The phase change is considered by an interval linear function of the storage temperature. By introducing binary variables, the relevant interval is taken into account. Furthermore, a method for including heat losses of pipelines is presented. The developed methods are applied in a case study from the textile industry and selected influencing factors are investigated within the scope of sensitivity analyses.

One of the key challenges the world will need to face during the 21st century is global warming and the consequent climate change. Its presence is indisputable, and decarbonizing the gird emerges as one of the required pathways to achieve global sustainable objectives. Solar energy power plants have the potential to revert this situation and solve the problem. One way to harness this energy is through Concentrated Solar Power plants. The major advantage and potential of this technology is its ability to integrate cost-effective Thermal Energy Storage (TES), which is key with such an inherently intermittent resource. On the other hand, the drawback is the high current Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE). The other main way to harness that highlighted solar energy is the use of Photovoltaic panels, which have recently achieved very competitive LCOE values. On the other hand, the storage integration is still a very pricey option, normally done with Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). As a conclusion, a hybrid power plant combining the LCOE of the PV and the TES of the CSP emerges as the key way of achieving a very competitive solution with a big potential. This master thesis aims at exploring the possibilities of a hybrid CSP and PV power plant with a sCO2 power cycle, integrated in the primary, secondary and tertiary electricity markets. To achieve this purpose, firstly, a Python-based Energy Dispatcher was developed to control the hybrid power plant. Indeed, the Dispatcher is the tool that decides when to produce, when to store… following an optimization problem. This can be formulated mathematically, and that was done and integrated into the Python code using Pyomo, a software for optimization problems. As a result, the Dispatcher achieved an effective control of the plant, showing intelligent decisions in detailed hourly analyses. The results were very promising and included optimization functions as maximizing the profitability of the plant or the total production, among others. To proceed with the Techno-economic assessment of the hybrid plant, the electricity markets were studied. The main source of income of any power plant is normally the revenue from selling electricity to the grid, but since there are several markets, there are also other possibilities. In this thesis, it was assessed from a Techno-Economic perspective how the performance and optimal design of the plants vary when providing different services extra to selling electricity to the grid. The conclusion was that even though the Net Present Value (NPV) achieved working on the spot market was already very high, the extra value added from participating in the secondary or tertiary markets was indisputable. Indeed, the profits attained in those markets were between two and four times higher than the ones of the spot market. This is a specific case, but a trend was identified: these hybrid power plants have a huge possibility and a bright future on the service markets. As a consequence, this thesis shows the huge potential of hybrid power plants integrated in the grid participating in several markets. It also lays the foundation for future studies in other locations, under different conditions and with different technologies, among others.

<p dir="ltr">Ice thermal energy storage (ITES) systems have long been an economic way to slash cooling costs in the commercial sector since the 1980s. An ITES system generates cooling in the formation of ice within a storage tank. This occurs during periods of the day when the cost of electricity is low, normally at night. This ice is then melted to absorb the energy within the conditioned space. While ITES systems have been prosperous in the commercial sector, they have yet to take root in the residential sector.</p><p dir="ltr">The U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) has published guidelines for TES. The DoE guidelines include providing a minimum of four hours of cooling, shifting 30-50% of a space’s cooling load to non-peak hours, minimizing the weight, volume, complexity, and cost of the system, creating a system than operates for over 10,000 cycles, enacting predictive control measures, and being modular to increase scale for larger single-family and multi-family homes [1]. The purpose of this research is to develop a model that meets these guidelines.</p><p dir="ltr">After extensive research in both experimental data, technical specifications, existing models, and best practices taken from the works of others a MATLAB model was generated. The modeled ITES system is comprised of a 1m diameter tank by 1m tall. Ice was selected as the PCM. A baseline model was constructed with parameters deemed to be ideal. This model generated an ITES system that can be charged in under four hours and is capable of providing a total of 22.18 kWh of cooling for a single-family home over a four-hour time period. This model was then validated with experimental data and found to have a root mean squared error of 0.0959 for the system state of charge. During the validation both the experimental and model estimation for the water/ice within the tank converged at the HTF supply temperature of -5.2°C.</p><p dir="ltr">With the model established, a parametric analysis was conducted to learn how adjusting a few of the system parameters impact it. The first parameter, reducing the pipe radius, has the potential to lead to a 152.6-minute reduction in charge time. The second parameter, varying the heat transfer fluid (HTF) within the prescribed zone of 0.7 kg/s to 1.2 kg/s, experienced a 4.8-minute increase in charge time for the former and a decrease in charge time by 5.4 minutes for the latter. The third parameter, increasing the pipe spacing and consequently increasing the ratio of mass of water to mass of HTF, yielded a negative impact. A 7.1mm increase in pipe spacing produced a 16.6-minute increase in charge time. Meanwhile, a 14.2mm increase in pipe spacing created a 93.3-minute increase in charge time and exceeded the charging time limit of five hours.</p><p dir="ltr">This functioning model establishes the foundation of creating a residential-scale ITES system. The adjustability and scalability of the code enable it to be modified to user specifications. Thus, allowing for various prototypes to be generated based on it. The model also lays the groundwork to synthesize a code containing an ITES system and a heat pump operating as one. This will aid in the understanding of residential-scale ITES systems and their energy effects.</p>

<p>  </p> <p>Concentrated solar power (CSP) is a technology that utilizes focused sunlight to heat a high-temperature medium (such as a molten salt). Heat from this medium can be transferred to a working fluid (such as supercritical CO2) that is then used to drive a turbine to generate electricity. Alternatively, the hot medium/fluid can be pumped into tanks for thermal energy storage (TES), for heat extraction later to generate dispatchable electricity and/or for electricity production at night or on cloudy days. By increasing the fluid temperature to <u>></u>750oC and utilizing TES, CSP can become more cost competitive with fossil-based electricity production. Current CSP systems utilize molten nitrate salts for heat transfer and TES that are known to thermally degrade at temperatures >600oC. To achieve temperatures <u>></u>750oC, molten chloride salts, such as ternary MgCl2-KCl-NaCl compositions, are being considered as heat transfer and thermal energy fluids for next generation CSP plants due to their higher temperature stability, low cost, and availability. </p> <p>In this work, it was demonstrated that MgCl2-containing molten salts are prone to oxidation in ambient air at 750oC, which can enhance corrosion of the containment materials and alter the thermophysical properties of the fluid. An alternative, low-cost, earth-abundant, MgCl2-free, oxidation-resistant molten salt, a eutectic CaCl2-NaCl composition, was developed, along with a corrosion mitigation strategy, to enable the slow growth of protective oxide layers on metals that are resistant to dissolution by such MgCl2-free molten chloride salts. </p> <p>This strategy was expanded to other low-cost, oxidation resistant compositions, such as eutectic BaCl2-CaCl2-KCl-NaCl with tailored chemical and thermophysical properties for CSP and TES. The melting temperature, heat capacity, oxidation resistance, and crystallization behavior were measured for eutectic a BaCl2-CaCl2-KCl-NaCl(17.5-47.8-3.3-31.4 mol%) (BCKN) salt and a MgCl2-KCl-NaCl (40-40-20 mol%) salt. BCKN salt was shown to have a similar melting temperature while having a higher heat capacity and far better oxidation resistance. </p> <p>The corrosion of the nickel-based superalloy Haynes 214 was studied in molten MgCl2-KCl-NaCl (40-40-20 mol%) salt at 750oC under inert atmosphere conditions using a custom-built rotating-disc corrosion testing apparatus that maintained laminar fluid flow on the sample. Non-protective external Cr-, Al-, and Mg- oxide layers were formed on Haynes 214 that were prone to spallation. Internal oxidation of Al was also observed along with Cr depletion zones within Haynes 214.  Corrosion kinetics were evaluated to quantify the role of fluid flow for application of this alloy for use in containment and transportation of this molten chloride salt. </p>

Sweden has goals to reach net-zero emissions by 2045. Although electricity sector is almost fossil free, industry &amp; transport still rely on fossil fuels. Ambitious initiatives such as HYBRIT, growth of EV market &amp; expansion of wind power aim to expedite emission reduction. Decarbonization of transport, industry and large-scale wind &amp; solar PV integration in the future necessitates studying energy system of Sweden at national scale in the context of sector coupling, external transmission &amp; storage technologies. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the impact of thermal energy storage, hydrogen storage and batteries via Power-to-heat &amp; Power-to-hydrogen strategies in the future Swedish energy system (2045) with high proportions of wind power. Two scenarios SWE_2045 &amp; NFF_2045 were formulated to represent two distinct energy systems of the future. The SWE_2045 energy system still relies on fossil fuels, but to a lower extent compared to 2019 level and has increased levels of electrification and biofuels in the transport and industrial sectors. In comparison, the fossil fuels are completely removed in NFF_2045 and the industrial sector has significant demand for electrolytic hydrogen. Both the scenarios were simulated using EnergyPLAN, a deterministic energy system model, under each storage technology. The results indicate that HPs coupled with TES has the potential to increase wind integration from 29.12% to 31.8% in SWE_2045 and 26.78% to 29.17% in NFF_2045. HP &amp; TES also reduces heat production from boilers by 67% to 72% depending on the scenario, leading to overall reduction in total fuel and annual costs by at least 2.5% and 0.5% respectively. However, for wind integration of 31.1% in SWE_2045 the annual cost increases by 5.1% with hydrogen storage compared to TES. However, hydrogen storage shows better performance in NFF_2045, wherein the wind integration increases from 26.78% to 29.3%. Furthermore, increasing hydrogen storage for a lower wind capacity (60 GW) in NFF_2045 reduces both electricity import and export while simultaneously increasing the contribution of storage in fulfilling the hydrogen demand from 1.62% to 6.2%. Compared to TES and HS, the contribution of battery storage is minimal in sector integration. For increase in wind integration of 28% to 29%, the annual cost of a system with battery storage is 1.3% to 2% higher than that of the system with TES and hydrogen storage respectively. Therefore, HPs coupled with TES can improve flexibility in both scenarios. Hydrogen storage is not a promising option if the end goal is only to store excess electricity, as shown by the results in SWE_2045. However, it demonstrates better utilization in terms of wind integration, reduction in electricity import and export when there is a considerable demand for hydrogen, as in the case of NFF_2045. / Sverige ligger i framkant när det gäller avkarbonisering och har mål att nå nettonollutsläpp till 2045. Även om elsektorn är nästan fossilfri, är industri och transport fortfarande beroende av fossila bränslen. Ambitiösa initiativ som Hydrogen Breakthrough Ironmaking Technology (HYBRIT), tillväxt av elbilsmarknaden och expansion av vindkraft syftar till att påskynda utsläppsminskningar. Dekarbonisering av transport, industri och storskalig vind- och solcellsintegrering i framtiden kräver att man studerar Sveriges energisystem i nationell skala i samband med sektorskoppling, extern transmissions- och lagringsteknik.  Därför syftar denna studie till att bestämma effekten av termisk energilagring, vätelagring och batterier via Power-to-heat &amp; Power-to-hydrogen-strategier i det framtida svenska energisystemet (2045) med höga andelar vindkraft. Två scenarier SWE_2045 &amp; NFF_2045 formulerades för att representera två distinkta framtidens energisystem. Energisystemet SWE_2045 är fortfarande beroende av fossila bränslen, men i lägre utsträckning jämfört med 2019 års nivå och har ökat nivåerna av elektrifiering och biobränslen inom transport- och industrisektorn. Som jämförelse är de fossila bränslena helt borttagna i NFF_2045-scenariot där transportsektorn endast är beroende av el och biobränslen, medan industrisektorn har en betydande efterfrågan på elektrolytiskt väte. Båda energisystemen simuleras med EnergyPLAN, en deterministisk energisystemmodell, för olika testfall under varje lagringsteknik. Resultatet av simuleringen bedömdes i termer av kritisk överskottselproduktion, potential för ytterligare vindintegration, total bränslebalans i systemet och årliga kostnader.  Resultatet indikerar att värmepumpar i kombination med termisk energilagring kan förbättra flexibiliteten i båda scenarierna genom att minska den kritiska överskottselproduktionen och bränsleförbrukningen samtidigt som vindintegrationen förbättras. Vätgaslagring är inget lovande alternativ om målet är att endast lagra överskottsel, vilket framgår av vindintegrationsnivåerna i SWE_2045. Det förbättrar dock vindintegration och tillförlitlighet avsevärt när det finns en betydande efterfrågan på vätgas i NFF_2045. Som jämförelse är batteriernas bidrag till vindintegration minimalt i båda scenarierna i samband med sektorintegration på grund av utnyttjandet av överskottsel av värmepumpar och extern överföring av restel. Valet av lagringsteknik i framtiden beror dock på dess tekniska ekonomiska utveckling och energipolitik.

Thermische Energiespeicher tragen u. a. zur Erhöhung der Versorgungsicherheit in der Fernwärmeversorgung und zur Effizienzsteigerung des Fernwärmesystems (z. B. Flexibilisierung der Erzeuger, Speicherung überschüssiger Wärme, besserer hydraulischer Betrieb) bei. Dafür eignen sich Druckbehälter, sog. schlanke Heißwasserspeicher (Speichertyp b1). Die oben genannten Vorteile setzen einen effizienten Speicherbetrieb (niedrige interne und externe Speicherverluste) voraus. Dieser Beitrag beschäftigt sich mit der Minimierung der internen Verluste durch die Verbesserung des thermischen Schichtungsverhaltens. Eine thermische Schichtung mit einem möglichst schmalen Übergangsbereich zwischen heißer und kalter Zone ist ein Indikator für geringe Mischvorgänge während der Beladung. Die Minimierung dieser Mischungsvorgänge bei der Beladung nimmt eine Schlüsselrolle bei der Minimierung der internen Speicherverluste ein. Lohse und Brähmer untersuchten die Beladung mit herkömmlichen radialen Diffusor in schlanken Heißwasserspeicher mit numerischer Strömungssimulation. Die Arbeiten identifizieren aufgrund der schlanken Speicherform nachteilige Strömungseffekte wie z. B. einen ausgeprägten Wandstrahl. Dieser Wandstrahl regt Mischvorgänge an und damit steigen die internen Speicherverluste. Zur Überwindung dieser Strömungsproblematik schlägt die Beladung mit Drall vor. Die Untersuchungen von Oestreich zeigten das Strömungsverhalten im Diffusor und im Speicher, die Auswirkungen auf die thermische Schichtung sowie die Vorteilhaftigkeit. Dieser Beitrag soll eine detailliertere Beschreibung der Strömungsvorgänge liefern. Dieses Wissen ist unbedingt notwendig, um die Ursachen und Wirkungen bei der Beladung mit Drall und beim Aufbau der thermischen Schichtung besser zu verstehen. Die Modellierung und Simulation des Diffusors bzw. des Speichers erfolgen mit ANSYS CFX. Zur Auflösung turbulenter Strukturen findet die Large Eddy Simulation Anwendung. Dieser Artikel präsentiert erstmalig die Wirbelstrukturen im Diffusor mit Leitelementen zur Drallerzeugung. Die Speicherströmung weist ein ähnliches Verhalten zu bekannten Dichteströmungen (z. B. Lappen-Kluft-Struktur, Instabilitäten in den freien Scherschichten) auf, was bisher nicht bekannt war. Hohe Peclet-Zahlen (hohe Advektionsströme) im Speichermodell führen zu numerischer Instabilität der Simulation und erfordern deshalb erhöhten Diskretisierungsaufwand. / Thermal energy storage systems contribute, among other things, to increasing the security of supply in the district heating system and to improving the efficiency of the district heating system (e.g., making the generators more flexible, storing waste heat, better hydraulic operation). Pressure vessels, so-called slim hot water storage tanks (storage type b1) are suitable for this purpose. The above mentioned advantages require efficient storage operation (low internal and external storage losses). This paper deals with the minimization of internal losses by improving the thermal stratification behavior. Thermal stratification with a thermocline between hot and cold zone as narrow as possible is an indicator of low mixing processes during loading. Minimizing these mixing processes during loading takes a key role in minimizing internal storage losses. Lohse and Brähmer investigated loading with conventional radial diffuser in slim hot water storage tanks with numerical flow simulation. The work identifies adverse flow effects due to the slim tank shape, such as a wall jet. This wall jet stimulates mixing processes and thus increases the internal storage losses. To overcome this flow problem, Findeisen et al. proposes swirl loading. The investigations of Oestreich et al. showed the flow behavior in the diffuser and in the storage, the effects on the thermal stratification as well as the advantageousness. This paper aims to provide a more detailed description of the flow processes. This knowledge is essential to better understanding the causes and effects of swirl loading and the structure of thermal stratification. Modeling and simulation of the diffuser and storage, respectively, are performed using Ansys CFX. Large eddy simulation (LES) is applied to resolve turbulent structures. This paper presents for the first time the vortex structures in the diffuser with internal elements for swirl generation. The storage flow exhibits similar behavior to known density flows (e.g., head and nose formation, instabilities in the free shear layers), which was previously unknown. High Peclet numbers (high advection currents) in the storage model lead to numerical instability of the simulation and therefore require increased discretization efforts.

Emulsions, comprising dispersed oil or water droplets stabilized by surfactants, are widely employed across industries. However, conventional surfactants raise environmental concerns, and emulsions may encounter stability challenges during storage. A promising alternative lies in Pickering emulsions, where particles adhere irreversibly at the water-oil interface, providing enhanced stability. Recent research explores the use of natural bio-based particles as interfacial stabilizers for creating Pickering emulsions, offering improved stability and environmental friendliness. This significant change towards particle-stabilized emulsions addresses sustainability and efficacy concerns. This dissertation investigates the application of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) in stabilizing Pickering emulsions for the development of functional microcapsules with diverse applications. A novel CNF aerogel with a hierarchical pore structure was developed using n-hexane-CNF oil-in-water (O/W) Pickering emulsions as templates. These hollow microcapsule-based CNF (HM-CNF) aerogels demonstrated high oil absorption capacities of 354 grams per gram for chloroform and 166 grams per gram for n-hexadecane, without requiring hydrophobic modifications, highlighting their potential as environmentally sustainable and high-performance oil absorbents. Further, the research explored the microencapsulation of n-hexadecane, an organic phase change material (PCM), within a hybrid shell of CNFs and chitin nanofibers (ChNFs). This method significantly improved the thermal stability of the encapsulated n-hexadecane, with maximum weight loss temperatures increasing from 184 degrees Celsius to 201 degrees Celsius with ChNF loading. The char yield also increased with ChNF content, indicating enhanced thermal degradation resistance. These emulsions demonstrated stability in various ionic solutions and elevated temperatures, showcasing their potential for applications such as thermal energy storage, cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals. Additionally, the dissertation examined stable water-in-oil (W/O) inverse Pickering emulsions using TEMPO-treated cellulose nanofibrils (TCNF). These emulsions, stabilized by TCNF-oleylamine complexes, exhibited droplet sizes ranging from 27 micrometers to 8 micrometers depending on TCNF concentration. They maintained stability under varying pH, ionic strength, and temperature conditions and demonstrated the encapsulation of water-soluble components like phytic acid, highlighting their versatility for diverse encapsulation applications. Overall, the research presents significant advancements in the utilization of CNF-stabilized Pickering emulsions, employing them as templates for fabricating aerogels and microcapsules. This approach enhances oil absorption, thermal stability, and encapsulation capabilities, offering eco-friendly solutions for diverse applications.

The thermal response of a borehole field is often described by non‐dimensional response factors called gfunctions.The g‐function was firstly generated as a numerical solution based on SBM (Superposition BoreholeModel). An analytical approach, the FLS (Finite Line Source), is also accepted for generating the g‐function. In thiswork the potential to numerically produce g‐functions is studied for circular borehole fields using the commercialsoftware COMSOL. The numerical method is flexible and allows the generation of g‐functions for any boreholefield geometry. The approach is partially validated by comparing the solution for a square borehole field containing36 boreholes (6x6) with g‐functions generated with the FLS approach and with the program EED (Earth EnergyDesigner). The latter is based on Eskilsons SBM, one of the first documents where the concept of g‐functions wasintroduced. Once the approach is validated, the square COMSOL model is compared with a circular geometryborehole field developed by the same method, consisting of 3 concentric rings having 6, 12, and 18 boreholes.Finally the influence on the circular geometry g‐function is studied when connecting the boreholes in radial zoneswith different thermal loads. / Den termiska responsen för ett borrhålsfält beskrivs ofta med den dimensionslösa responsfunktionen kallad gfunktion.Responsfunktionen togs först fram som en numerisk lösning med SBM (Superposition Borehole Model).En analytisk metod, FLS (Finite Line Source) är också accepterad för framtagandet av g‐funktioner. I det här arbetetundersöks förutsättningarna att numeriskt ta fram g‐funktioner för cirkulära borrhålsfält genom att använda detkommersiella simuleringsprogrammet COMSOL Multiphysics. Den numeriska metoden är flexibel och kananvändas för alla typer av borrhålsgeometrier. Metoden att använda COMSOL valideras delvis genom att jämföraresultatet för ett kvadratiskt borrhålsfält innehållande 36 borrhål (6x6) med lösningar framtagna med FLS och meddimensioneringsprogrammet EED (Earth Energy Designer). Det senare har sin grund i Eskilsons SBM, ett av deförsta arbeten där begreppet g‐funktion introducerades. När metoden att använda COMSOL verifierats, jämförsden kvadratiska borrhålsmodellen med en cirkulär borrhålskonfiguration, upprättad med samma metod,innehållande 3 koncentriska ringar om vardera 6, 12, 18 borrhål. Slutligen undersöks hur den termiska responsenpåverkas då borrhålen i ett cirkulärt borrhålsfält kopplas samman och grupperas i radiella zoner med olika termiskalaster. / SEEC Scandinavian Energy Efficiency Co.

Thesis (PhD) -- Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Currently the reduction of the levelised cost of electricity (LCOE) is the main goal of concentrating solar power (CSP) research. Central to a cost reduction strategy proposed by the American Department of Energy is the use of advanced power cycles like supercritical steam Rankine cycles to increase the efficiency of the CSP plant. A supercritical steam cycle requires source temperatures in excess of 620°C, which is above the maximum storage temperature of the current two-tank molten nitrate salt storage, which stores thermal energy at 565°C. Metallic phase change materials (PCM) can store thermal energy at higher temperatures, and do not have the drawbacks of salt based PCMs. A thermal energy storage (TES) concept is developed that uses both metallic PCMs and liquid metal heat transfer fluids (HTF). The concept was proposed in two iterations, one where steam is generated directly from the PCM – direct steam generation (DSG), and another where a separate liquid metal/water heat exchanger is used – indirect steam generation, (ISG). Eutectic aluminium-silicon alloy (AlSi12) was selected as the ideal metallic PCM for research, and eutectic sodium-potassium alloy (NaK) as the most suitable heat transfer fluid. Thermal energy storage in PCMs results in moving boundary heat transfer problems, which has design implications. The heat transfer analysis of the heat transfer surfaces is significantly simplified if quasi-steady state heat transfer analysis can be assumed, and this is true if the Stefan condition is met. To validate the simplifying assumptions and to prove the concept, a prototype heat storage unit was built. During testing, it was shown that the simplifying assumptions are valid, and that the prototype worked, validating the concept. Unfortunately unexpected corrosion issues limited the experimental work, but highlighted an important aspect of metallic PCM TES. Liquid aluminium based alloys are highly corrosive to most materials and this is a topic for future investigation. To demonstrate the practicality of the concept and to come to terms with the control strategy of both proposed concepts, a storage unit was designed for a 100 MW power plant with 15 hours of thermal storage. Only AlSi12 was used in the design, limiting the power cycle to a subcritical power block. This demonstrated some practicalities about the concept and shed some light on control issues regarding the DSG concept. A techno-economic evaluation of metallic PCM storage concluded that metallic PCMs can be used in conjunction with liquid metal heat transfer fluids to achieve high temperature storage and it should be economically viable if the corrosion issues of aluminium alloys can be resolved. The use of advanced power cycles, metallic PCM storage and liquid metal heat transfer is only merited if significant reduction in LCOE in the whole plant is achieved and only forms part of the solution. Cascading of multiple PCMs across a range of temperatures is required to minimize entropy generation. Two-tank molten salt storage can also be used in conjunction with cascaded metallic PCM storage to minimize cost, but this also needs further investigation. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Tans is die minimering van die gemiddelde leeftydkoste van elektrisiteit (GLVE) die hoofdoel van gekonsentreerde son-energie navorsing. In die kosteverminderingsplan wat voorgestel is deur die Amerikaanse Departement van Energie, word die gebruik van gevorderde kragsiklusse aanbeveel. 'n Superkritiese stoom-siklus vereis bron temperature hoër as 620 °C, wat bo die 565 °C maksimum stoor temperatuur van die huidige twee-tenk gesmelte nitraatsout termiese energiestoor (TES) is. Metaal fase veranderingsmateriale (FVMe) kan termiese energie stoor by hoër temperature, en het nie die nadele van soutgebaseerde FVMe nie. ʼn TES konsep word ontwikkel wat gebruik maak van metaal FVM en vloeibare metaal warmteoordrag vloeistof. Die konsep is voorgestel in twee iterasies; een waar stoom direk gegenereer word uit die FVM (direkte stoomopwekking (DSO)), en 'n ander waar 'n afsonderlike vloeibare metaal/water warmteruiler gebruik word (indirekte stoomopwekking (ISO)). Eutektiese aluminium-silikon allooi (AlSi12) is gekies as die mees geskikte metaal FVM vir navorsingsdoeleindes, en eutektiese natrium – kalium allooi (NaK) as die mees geskikte warmteoordrag vloeistof. Termiese energie stoor in FVMe lei tot bewegende grens warmteoordrag berekeninge, wat ontwerps-implikasies het. Die warmteoordrag ontleding van die warmteruilers word aansienlik vereenvoudig indien kwasi-bestendige toestand warmteoordrag ontledings gebruik kan word en dit is geldig indien daar aan die Stefan toestand voldoen word. Om vereenvoudigende aannames te bevestig en om die konsep te bewys is 'n prototipe warmte stoor eenheid gebou. Gedurende toetse is daar bewys dat die vereenvoudigende aannames geldig is, dat die prototipe werk en dien as ʼn bevestiging van die konsep. Ongelukkig het onverwagte korrosie die eksperimentele werk kortgeknip, maar dit het klem op 'n belangrike aspek van metaal FVM TES geplaas. Vloeibare aluminium allooie is hoogs korrosief en dit is 'n onderwerp vir toekomstige navorsing. Om die praktiese uitvoerbaarheid van die konsep te demonstreer en om die beheerstrategie van beide voorgestelde konsepte te bevestig is 'n stoor-eenheid ontwerp vir 'n 100 MW kragstasie met 15 uur van 'n TES. Slegs AlSi12 is gebruik in die ontwerp, wat die kragsiklus beperk het tot 'n subkritiese stoomsiklus. Dit het praktiese aspekte van die konsep onderteken, en beheerkwessies rakende die DSO konsep in die kollig geplaas. In 'n tegno-ekonomiese analise van metaal FVM TES word die gevolgtrekking gemaak dat metaal FVMe gebruik kan word in samewerking met 'n vloeibare metaal warmteoordrag vloeistof om hoë temperatuur stoor moontlik te maak en dat dit ekonomies lewensvatbaar is indien die korrosie kwessies van aluminium allooi opgelos kan word. Die gebruik van gevorderde kragsiklusse, metaal FVM stoor en vloeibare metaal warmteoordrag word net geregverdig indien beduidende vermindering in GLVE van die hele kragsentrale bereik is, en dit vorm slegs 'n deel van die oplossing. ʼn Kaskade van verskeie FVMe oor 'n reeks van temperature word vereis om entropie generasie te minimeer. Twee-tenk gesmelte soutstoor kan ook gebruik word in samewerking met kaskade metaal FVM stoor om koste te verminder, maar dit moet ook verder ondersoek word.

Cette thèse présente les résultats de recherche, de modélisation et de simulation d'un système de rafraîchissement solaire au Maroc dans le cadre du projet PRSM (Procédés de Rafraîchissement Solaire au Maroc) financé par l'IRESEN (Institut de Recherche en Energie Solaire et Energies Nouvelles). L'objectif est d'étudier les facteurs concernant l'optimisation d'une machine à absorption solaire (LiBr-H2O) sous les conditions marocaines. De plus, un certain nombre de critères de conception, qui peuvent être utilisés par les concepteurs de systèmes de climatisation et de chauffage solaires, ont été établis en tenant compte de considérations énergétiques et économiques. En conséquence, cette thèse couvre quatre aspects. Le premier aspect présente un aperçu de recherche bibliographique sur les technologies solaires, en mettant l'accent sur les systèmes du froid solaire, les processus pertinents existants, l'état du marché, les développements récents des technologies les plus prometteuses et les principaux indicateurs de performance qui figurent dans la littérature. De plus, l'aspect expérimental de l'installation de climatisation solaire adopté dans le projet PRSM a été décrit pour identifier les caractéristiques techniques importantes de l'installation et les difficultés rencontrées lors de la réalisation du prototype. La deuxième dimension concerne la faisabilité technique d'un système de climatisation solaire en se basant sur des indicateurs énergétiques et économiques et prenant en compte les effets combinés des climats, des catégories de bâtiments et des besoins en climatisation dans les conditions marocaines. Le troisième aspect présente le stockage latent de l'énergie thermique utilisant les matériaux à changement de phase (MCPs). Il porte sur l'étude des méthodes numériques utilisées dans la modélisation des phénomènes de changement de phase et se concentre également sur l'ajout des MCPs dans le système de climatisation solaire intégré à l'intérieur du ballon solaire connecté au générateur de la machine à absorption pour évaluer l'amélioration possible du rendement du système. Le quatrième volet de cette thèse présente l'analyse technico-économique et de sensibilité appliquée au développement d'un procédé solaire combiné d'eau chaude sanitaire, chauffage et climatisation au Maroc. L'analyse globale via une généralisation des résultats au niveau national a été réalisée en complément d'une analyse de sensibilité liée à l'investissement dans ces systèmes afin d'évaluer le potentiel de remplacement des technologies traditionnelles par les systèmes solaires et les gains éventuels liés à leur implantation au Maroc. / This thesis reports the results of research into the modeling and simulation of a solar air-conditioning system for Morocco in the framework of the project SCPM (Solar Cooling Process in Morocco) funded by IRESEN (Research Institute for Solar Energy and New Energies). The aim is to investigate the factors concerning the optimization of a LiBr-H2O solar absorption chiller under Moroccan conditions. Further, a number of design criteria, which can be used by designers of solar cooling and heating systems, have been established using energy and economic considerations. Accordingly, this thesis covers four aspects. The first overviews the literature survey on solar technologies with a focus on solar cooling systems which reports the relevant processes, summarizes the market status, presents the recent developments of the most promising technologies and describes the main performance indicators figuring in the literature. Moreover, the experimental aspect of the solar air-conditioning installation adopted in the SCPM project was described to identify the important technical characteristics of the installation and the difficulties encountered during the realization of the prototype. The second dimension concerns the technical feasibility of solar air-conditioning system using energy and economic indicators taking into account the combined effects of climates, building categories and cooling demands under Moroccan conditions. The third aspect presents the latent thermal energy storage using Phase Change Materials (PCMs). It concerns the investigation of numerical methods used in the modeling of phase change phenomena and also focuses on PCMs addition in the solar cooling process integrated inside solar storage tank connected to the generator of the absorption chiller to evaluate the possible enhancement in the system efficiency. The fourth aspect of this thesis outlines the technico-economic and sensitivity analysis applied to the development of a combined processes of solar DHW, heating and air-conditioning in Morocco. The overall analysis via a generalization of the results to the national level was carried out in addition to a sensitivity analysis related to the investment in these systems in order to assess the potential of replacing traditional technologies with the solar systems and the possible earnings related to their implementation in Morocco.