Abstract
Phase change materials (PCMs) can be used in refrigeration systems to redistribute the thermal load. The main advantages of the overall system are a more stable energy performance, energy savings, and the use of the off-peak electric tariff. This paper proposes, models, tests, and analyzes an experimental water vapor compression chiller connected to a PCM thermal energy storage (TES) tank that acts as an alternative heat sink. First, the transient model of the chiller-PCM system is proposed and validated through experimental data directly measured from a test bench where the PCM TES tank is connected to a vapor compression-based chiller. A maximum deviation of 1.2 °C has been obtained between the numerical and experimental values of the PCM tank water outlet temperature. Then, the validated chiller-PCM system model is used to quantify (using the coefficient of performance, COP) and to analyze its energy performance and its dependence on the ambient temperature. Moreover, electrical energy saving curves are calculated for different ambient temperature profiles, reaching values between 5% and 15% taking the experimental system without PCM as a baseline. Finally, the COP of the chiller-PCM system is calculated for different temperatures and use scenarios, and it is compared with the COP of a conventional aerothermal chiller to determine the switch ambient temperature values for which the former provides energy savings over the latter.
Highlights
In 1997 the existence of global warming was recognized worldwide through the Kyoto Protocol [1], resulting in a global commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in which the anthropogenicCO2 emissions were pointed out as the main cause
Phase change materials (PCMs) thermal energy storage (TES) systems can provide energy savings when used as a heat sink for a chiller, and there is worth in analyzing the parameters that affect their performance
PCM TES system used as a heat sink for a chiller has been modeled and analyzed under different temperature and use conditions for a better understanding of the behavior of its energy performance
Summary
In 1997 the existence of global warming was recognized worldwide through the Kyoto Protocol [1], resulting in a global commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in which the anthropogenic. PCMs can be utilized to save energy in radiant floor heating systems [7] or included in the roof to reduce the through roof heat gain in buildings [8] Another application of PCM to enhance energy efficiency is its use in thermal energy storage (TES) systems to provide a greater energy storage capacity in a narrower temperature range. This work models and studies the use of an experimental PCM TES system as an alternative dissipation sink for a chiller It focuses on the system energy performance and savings and analyses how different ambient temperature profiles affect it. The energy performance of the chiller-PCM mode is compared with that of a conventional aerothermal mode to determine the best temperature to switch between them
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