Thermal storage is very relevant for technologies that make thermal use of solar energy, as well as energy savings in buildings. Phase change materials (PCMs) are positioned as an attractive alternative to storing thermal energy. This review provides an extensive and comprehensive overview of recent investigations on integrating PCMs in the following low-temperature applications: building envelopes, passive systems in buildings, solar collectors, solar photovoltaic systems, and solar desalination systems. Moreover, techniques for improving heat transfer in PCM systems are described. All applications studies indicate that all applications improve their performance when applying a PCM. One of the most beneficiated technologies is the combined PV-Thermal systems (PVT), where some authors reported an increase in overall efficiency greater than 40%.

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the thermal behavior of tubular solar receivers used for direct steam generation, focusing on the effects of different wall thicknesses and longitudinal rectangular fins on the internal surface. The study evaluated six tubes, including two tubes with distinct wall thicknesses (5 mm and 3 mm) without fins and four tubes with fins but varying configurations. These tubes represent external tubular receivers used in solar central tower plants and operate at 4.5 MPa with a nonuniform solar flux averaging 0.8 MW/m2. Adding longitudinal fins to the tubes significantly reduced the maximum temperature on the irradiated surface and improved heat transfer to the fluid. The study concluded that the 45F5 receiver, which has three fins on the internal section, outperforms the other receivers, presenting a higher vapor generation. Furthermore, the 45F5 geometry enhances heat transfer, allowing the lowest maximum Biot number. These results are crucial for designing tubular solar receivers with direct steam generation systems and improving their efficiency in generating energy from renewable sources.

This study utilizes the large eddy simulation model (LES) and a synthetic method based on the Fourier technique called consistent discrete random flow generation (CDRFG) to analyze the peak aerodynamic loads on heliostats due to the atmospheric boundary layer. With the CDRFG technique, key flow parameters, including mean velocity profile, turbulent intensities, integral length scales, and turbulent spectra generated in wind tunnels, can be replicated while also satisfying the divergence-free condition. A three-facet heliostat with an elevation angle of α = 45 deg and the rear aligned to the inflow was analyzed. The heliostat behaves like a lifting surface in this orientation, accentuating the aerodynamic effect. The methodology proposed in this study can accurately reproduce flow statistics and predict the peak loads. Compared to experimental data, differences of 2.62% for drag, 7.43% for lift, and 11.0% for overturning were observed. Furthermore, the simulation reveals the generation of wingtip vortices on the sides of the heliostat, which contribute to the aerodynamic load. Overall, this technique has been demonstrated to be effective in replicating the atmospheric boundary layer and predicting the aerodynamic coefficients of heliostats.