Thermal energy storage technologies are increasingly important for ensuring a continuous supply of solar power during off-sunshine hours. This study presents an indigenized solar phase change material (PCM) system designed to efficiently store solar thermal energy using a latent heat storage approach, applicable to decentralized food processing. A 2.5 m² Scheffler reflector focuses direct normal irradiance (DNI) onto a cast aluminum heat receiver (220 mm diameter), where concentrated heat is absorbed and transferred to the PCM unit via thermal oil (Fragoltherm-32). As the thermal oil circulates around the PCM pipes, it transfers heat, causing the PCM to transition from solid to liquid. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of the PCM unit was conducted under actual boundary conditions, yielding satisfactory temperature and velocity distributions. With an average DNI of 781 W/m², the receiver surface reached a maximum temperature of 155 °C, producing thermal oil at 110 °C and around 48 °C in the PCM unit. Heat energy losses due to various factors were quantified, including reflectivity and insulation losses. The CFD analysis and mathematical modeling were aligned with real-time data from an online Control and Monitoring Interface. Ultimately, the energy available to the PCM was 414 W, with an overall system efficiency of 38%, which could be enhanced by reducing thermal losses and exploring alternative PCM materials.
