Abstract

Many studies related to latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) and performance of phase change materials (PCM) are focused on melting and solidification processes. Investigating and understanding the influence of various parameters on PCMs based thermal energy storage is the key to developing innovative and efficient energy storage systems. The aim of this study is to experimentally compare and assess the performance of phase change material based copper heat exchanger (PCM-HX) in different modes of operation. This PCM-HX is designed to be used in systems where thermal energy can be stored up to 90 °C and an organic PCM RT82 was selected as the energy storage medium. This study focuses on the pressure impact on the PCM melting (charging) and solidification (discharging) processes. Two different modes of operation were analysed: Open and Closed. In the case of an Open mode, the storage tank of PCM-HX was open to the atmosphere (pressure control valve open), in the case of Closed mode the storage tank was closed (pressure control valve closed). PCM charging and discharging processes were conducted and the PCM-HX performances were tested at different pressure inside the storage tank.

Highlights

  • Latent heat thermal energy storage plays an important role in increasing the energy density of the storage systems

  • In the case of the Open mode of operation, a pressure control valve was open to the atmosphere and no pressure change has been observed inside the storage tank

  • The analysis showed that the heat flux in Open and Closed modes of operation differs very slightly between both melting and solidification processes

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Summary

Introduction

Latent heat thermal energy storage plays an important role in increasing the energy density of the storage systems. Different types of phase change materials (PCMs) can be used. One of the main tasks in developing PCM based thermal energy storage systems (PCM-TES) is the assurance of an effective heat exchange process because of the low thermal conductivity of most PCMs. Heat exchange process parameters can be characterized by using computer modelling and obtained results can be used for device or system optimization. Many studies focus on the experimental investigation of different technical solutions in order to enhance melting and solidification time of the PCM. A. Khan 2017; Kabbara et al, 2016; Besagni & Croci, 2019) have been found to be very useful in terms of heat transfer rate improvement

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