Fabrication and Performance Evaluation of Cold Thermal Energy Storage Tanks Operating in Water Chiller Air Conditioning System

Abstract

In this study, cold and thermal storage systems were designed and manufactured to operate in combination with the water chiller air-conditioning system of 105.5 kW capacity, with the aim of reducing operating costs and maximizing energy efficiency. The cold storage tank used a mixture of water and 10 wt.% glycerin as a phase-change material (PCM), while water was used as heat transfer fluid (HTF). The cold storage heat exchanger was made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC). On the other hand, the thermal storage tank used water as the storage fluid with a capacity of 50 L of hot water per hour. The thermal storage did not use a pump for water transfer through the heat exchanger, so as to save energy and operating costs. In this paper, the operating parameters of the cold and thermal storage tanks are shown according to the results of experimental research, including the temperatures of cooling and heating load, heat transfer fluid, and cold storage material during the discharge process, as well as the discharge duration. The system assisted the air conditioner in cooling the internship workshop space at the university with an area of 400 m2, contributing to a remarkable reduction in air-conditioning system operating costs during the daytime. Furthermore, the system recovered waste heat from the compressor of the water chiller, and a thermal storage system was successfully built and operated, providing 50 L of hot water at a temperature of 60 °C per hour to serve the everyday needs of school students. This design was suitable for the joint operation of cold and thermal storage tanks and the water chiller air-conditioning system for cooling and heating applications.