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Renewable energy resources require energy storage techniques to curb problems with intermittency. One potential solution is the use of phase change materials (PCMs) in latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) systems. Despite the high energy storage density of PCMs, their thermal response rate is restricted by low thermal conductivity. The topic of heat transfer enhancement techniques for increasing thermal performance of LHTES systems has mainly focused on passive heat transfer enhancement techniques with less attention towards active methods. Active heat transfer enhancement techniques require external power supplied to the system. In this paper, recent advances in active heat transfer enhancement techniques within LHTES systems are reviewed, including mechanical aids, vibration, jet impingement, injection, and external fields. The pertinent findings related to the field are summarized in relation to the charging and discharging processes of PCMs. Suggestions for future research are proposed, and the importance of additional energy input for storage is discussed.

Latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) systems can be used to combat the limited collection and long-term storage of renewable energy sources. The key component of an LHTES system is its phase change material (PCM), which thermally stores energy. Despite extensive research on thermal conductivity enhancement within PCM, little attention has been paid to the heat transfer fluid (HTF) within the system. This study aimed to observe the impact of variable HTF flow rates and temperatures on the speed of charging and discharging an LHTES system enhanced with annular fins. Two copper fin configurations of 10 and 20 annular fins were tested within an LHTES system with Rubitherm RT-55 PCM. The configurations were tested during charging processes with HTF parameters of 65 °C and 70 °C at 1, 2, and 3 gpm. Discharging processes were tested with HTF parameters of 15 °C and 20 °C at 0.5, 1, and 1.5 gpm. The system energy response and PCM temperature were recorded throughout the tests. The results of the study revealed that a higher flow rate produced a shorter processing time, but furthermore, that a larger temperature gradient between the PCM and HTF caused a more significant decrease in charging and discharging times.

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