Prof. Wasim Saman
Director of the Barbara Hardy Institute
University of South Australia.
Prof. Wasim Saman, Director of the Barbara Hardy Institute, University of South Australia
The ability to dispatch electricity on demand continues to grow as one of the most valuable features that concentrated solar thermal technology can contribute to the renewable energy mix. Energy storage to match supply with demand, is recognised as a key requirement in most future energy supply scenarios which includes a high proportion of renewables. This is particularly because it creates the potential for an improved value proposition as well as a reduction in the levelised cost of electricity. At a time of higher emphasis being placed on storage systems to facilitate further utilisation of renewables, the role of thermal storage which provides a more economical storage option becomes even more significant.
Thermal storage is now well-commercialised in the form of two-tank molten salt sensible heat storage systems operating at temperatures suitable for sub-critical steam turbine cycles. However in order to facilitate lowering the overall costs of solar thermal systems using emerging higher temperature cycles and solar tower and dish technologies, storage temperatures must correspondingly increase.
The presentation describes current research activities focussing on high temperature storage materials and storage systems. It focuses on the use of phase change materials for developing low cost high temperature storage systems. Compared with current technologies, phase change storage can lead to serious reduction in the size and cost of thermal storage. The paper includes an overview of potential phase change material candidates in the range 300-700C and describes the storage system design options and the methods being considered for enhancing heat transmission to facilitate smooth operation and dispatchable power generation at minimum costs.
Biography of Prof. Wasim Saman :
Wasim Saman is professor of sustainable energy engineering and Director of the Barbara Hardy Institute/ University of South Australia. His career has focussed on sustainable energy education and industry targeted research since the 1980s. He has published over 180 technical articles and supervised 26 post graduate research candidates.
Professor Saman leads an internationally recognised research group working in sustainable energy which comprises 29 staff and research students. He is currently leading projects focussing on solar thermal electricity generation and storage being carried out through funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency and the Australian Solar Thermal Research Initiative. He is Research Leader in the Australian Cooperative Research Centre for Low Carbon Living focussing on integrated building systems with the aim of leading the transition to zero energy in Australian buildings. Professor Saman has been providing advice and support to industry and government both within and outside Australia. He is Fellow of the Australian Institute of Energy, Fellow of the Australian Institute for Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heating and Advisory Panel member of the Australian Renewable Energy Agency. He received the Pioneer Award from the World Renewable Energy Network in 2012.