Use of Natural Syrian Zeolitic Tuff in Solar Thermal Applications

We focus our attention in this work, from experimental point of view, on the applicability of natural Syrian zeolitic tuff in storing thermal solar energy. Several samples of different zeolitic content were taken from different heights of the borehole. These samples were used in this study. It was found that, when the heating temperature is below C, the effect of Syrian natural zeolitic tuff' storing energy is quite good. The obtained results clearly show that the tentative idea of utilizing natural zeolitic tuff to store solar heat energy is feasible. Zeolitic content and grain sizes are the main affecting factors. As the operating temperature of the conventional flat-plate solar collectors generally is below C, the aforementioned conclusion has important significance.

zeolitic tuff, thermal energy, energy storage, long-term storage