Simulated Model for a New Design of Thermal Energy Storage System

Abstract

Abstract The importance of this article is to study of Phase Change Materials (PCM) in thermal energy storage systems using simulation Software, ANSYS, to conduct Thermal Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) studies. Because of the versatile nature of latent heat thermal energy storage systems, it is pertinent to conduct further studies. SolidWorks is used to create precise 3D models of Tranter Heat Exchanger Components. This purpose is to extract the volume between plates of an actual Tranter Heat Exchanger System. Also, in this model, located in a custom-made chamber of Poly (Methyl Methacrylate) or plexiglass, contacting the heat exchanger plate is the volume in which the phase change material (PCM) is stored to be melted and retrieved to obtain stored energy. A PCM is a medium that is capable of absorbing and releasing energy as the phase changes occur in low temperature, in our case from solid to liquid and conversely. Due to this process, it is necessary to study the various types of latent heat storage materials. Transient heat transfer analysis is conducted to investigate low temperature energy storage using corrugated thermal flow channel for lower temperature applications. The enthalpy porosity method is applied to simulate model in pure conduction. The PCM used in the study is the Paraffin C22−C45 packed in the chamber and contacted to corrugated stainless steel plate. Energy storage into PCM and energy retrieval from PCM is simulated in turbulent flow of the heat transfer fluid. Other key variables consist of time temperature, pressure, turbulent type flow, and properties of H2O and Paraffin C22−C45. The use of ANSYS Software can determine distribution of heat throughout the unit, and witness the melting process simultaneously unlike in physical testing. Due to the simulation’s quick nature, relative to physical testing, in future, multiple experiments can be performed with various phase change materials, calculations on the total energy stored can be performed quickly, and power recovery can be estimated based on the simulation results. The novelty of the work is demonstrated in simulation of PCM that is stored above a volume generated from combined complex ‘chevron’ shaped plates. The goal is to compare the results of the simulation to corresponding simulations. Due to the nature of the plate and its arrangement, it is correctly observed from the simulation that the melting of the PCM begins at the center of the plate where maximum heat transfer takes place.