TY - JOUR TI - Analysis of thermal storage performances of solar thermal power generation unit using computer numerical simulation analysis AU - Wang Ruilian AU - Ren Yan AU - Xie Minping JN - Thermal Science PY - 2020 VL - 24 IS - 5 SP - 3347 EP - 3355 PT - Article AB - Objective: In this study, the single tank inclined layer heat storage system is simulated and analyzed by computer, so as to explore the performance of the heat storage device of the solar thermal generator system. Method: First of all, for the phase change thermal storage unit, its physical model of is established. Heat transfer fluid is Hitec salt, and phase change material is potassium nitrate. Then, as for the phase change thermal storage unit, its numerical model of is established. The simulation results of the numerical model are verified. Finally, through numerical simulation, how do the inlet velocity of the heat exchange fluid and the ambient temperature influence the heat storage performance is analyzed. Results: The heat storage period of the regenerator will decrease when the inlet velocity of the heat exchange fluid increases, but the heat storage efficiency of the regenerator will decrease. Therefore, in this study, under the premise of ensuring a higher heat storage efficiency and a shorter heat storage cycle, it is more reasonable to choose 0.25 m/s as the inlet velocity. In winter and summer, it is necessary to insulate the tank. On the one hand, the heat loss can be reduced. On the other hand, the heat storage efficiency of single tank can be improved. Conclusion: Analysing the efficiency of the single tank thermal storage device can provide a reference for the optimal design of the solar heat plant thermal storage tank, and lay a certain foundation for its theoretical and experimental research.