An experimental comparison of two receiver geometries for domestic thermal processes, suitable for high solar radiation African regions

Abstract

The study presents an experimental evaluation of two receiver configurations (zigzag and circular) integrated with a packed-bed TES system for domestic thermal processes, particularly cooking and drying. The research addresses a critical gap by examining how receiver geometry influences thermal performance in packed-bed TES systems, offering a potential solution to Africa’s energy storage challenges. The zigzag design achieves a higher average thermal efficiency of 8.30 ± 0.4 % compared to 6.52 ± 0.3 % for the circular design. It also obtained a higher maximum stored energy of 0.91 ± 0.005 MJ than the circular receiver, which reached 0.74 ± 0.004 MJ, over a 4-hour charging period under identical operating conditions. Notably, we performed experiments in a controlled environment and performance on local conditions will be assessed through outdoor testing. Additionally, we fabricated the receivers using locally sourced materials (copper and aluminum), making the technology more accessible and affordable, thus supporting a transition from non-renewable biomass fuel (firewood and charcoal) towards cleaner and more sustainable cooking solutions.