Abstract

This paper presents a general procedure to optimize the design of a PCM storage tank, including the specification of design objectives, the identification of decision variables (for optimization), the construction of computer simulation platform and the final decision making. The general procedure was demonstrated by applying it to an open-air swimming pool, where the design objective was to minimize the volume of the PCM storage tank when it was required to enable heat storing to maintain the water temperature of an open-air swimming pool inside the thermal comfortable range during its open period in winter season. After identifying decision variables, a computer simulation platform was developed using TRNSYS and MATLAB to investigate the effects of the decision variables on the volume of the PCM storage tank. Case studies show that the proposed optimization is able to efficiently reduce the volume of the PCM storage tank without sacrificing the thermal storage capacity. Therefore, this study provides useful guidelines to optimize the design of a PCM storage tank.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.