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.