Abstract
A novel technique of design of experiments applied to numerical simulations is proposed in this paper as a methodology for the sizing and design of thermal storage equipment integrated in any specific application. The technique is carried out through the response surfaces in order to limit the number of simulation runs required to achieve an appropriate solution. Thus, there are significant savings on the time spent on the design as well as a potential cost saving on the experimentation if similarity relationships between the prototype and the model are met. The technique is applied here to a previously developed and validated numerical model that simulates the thermal behavior of a phase change material-air heat exchanger. The incorporation of the thermal energy storage unit is analyzed in the case of a solar cooling application, improving the system coefficient of performance. The economic viability is mainly conditioned by the price of the macroencapsulated phase change material.
Highlights
A numerical simulation is not itself a design tool, as it provides the system response to previously-imposed operational and experimental conditions [1]
According to the analysis reported by Dolado et al [25], it follows that in order to properly design the TES unit to cover the temperature peak, and based on the results of the empirical model, the design can be conducted to act over certain geometric and operational aspects only
Once an empirically-validated numerical model is obtained, the methodology proposed in this paper can be used in the design stage of a TES unit which is to be incorporated in a specific application
Summary
A numerical simulation is not itself a design tool, as it provides the system response to previously-imposed operational and experimental conditions [1]. Instead of a sequential analysis, it is reasonable to use a mathematical and statistical methodology that indicates how to plan the series of experiments (analogously, simulation runs) on the principle of maximum information with minimum effort. The design of experiments methodology is used in a relatively new way to face the problem of the unit design. This method is carried out through the response surfaces in order to limit the number of simulation runs required to achieve an appropriate solution. Savings are achieved on the time spent on the design [2], as well the potential costs of experiments [3], if similarity relationships between the prototype and the model are met
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