Systems and methods for full spectrum solar thermal energy harvesting and storage by molecular and phase change material hybrids

A method for solar thermal harvesting and collection, the method comprising:

• storing a first heat in a phase change material in the presence of solar radiation,
• based on absorbing full spectrum solar radiation;
• harvesting a second heat from the phase change material in the presence of solar radiation;
• storing molecular energy in a molecular storage material in the presence of solar radiation, based on absorbing full spectrum solar radiation;
• transferring the second heat from the phase change material to the molecular storage material in the absence of solar radiation;
• and
• harvesting the molecular energy released by the molecular storage material.

An apparatus for solar thermal harvesting and collection, the apparatus comprises:

• an enclosure, wherein the enclosure includes:
• a bottom layer including a phase change material, configured for storing heat in a phase change material in the presence of solar radiation, based on absorbing full spectrum solar radiation;
• a middle layer including silica aerogel, disposed on the bottom layer;
• a top layer including a molecular storage material disposed on the middle layer;
• an anti-reflective glass disposed on a top surface of the top layer, configured to permit the transmission of full spectrum solar radiation;
• a tube that is configured to connect the bottom layer and the top layer, and the tube is configured to allow a heat transfer fluid to flow therein;
• a first valve disposed on the tube, when actuated, provides for thermal communication between the top layer and the bottom layer;
• and
• a second valve, disposed on a portion of the tube connected to the bottom layer, the second valve, when actuated, provides for the harvesting of the stored heat.