Constant mixing temperature test of a fin-and-tube latent heat thermal energy storage

Abstract

Thermal energy accumulation is one of the ways how to optimize heat production processes and how to balance the supply and demand of heat in distribution systems. This article presents a design of a fin-and-tube latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES), which combines high thermal energy storage density and scalability. A computational model that used lumped heat capacities was tuned using the experimental data. The numerical model proved to be simple yet precise. A new constant mixing temperature test was designed and performed with the LHTES. Unlike standard constant flow rate charge/discharge test, this test provided valuable information about what to expect in the real-life operation conditions. From the tests and data from simulations, it was concluded that the LHTES would perform better in terms of its capacity utilization if it operated at lower output power than in the laboratory circuit. This indicates that a smaller, and thus more cost-effective, LHTES could be employed in the laboratory circuit with virtually the same utility to the system if its heat transfer characteristics were improved.

Multi-objective optimization of multiple droplet impacts on a molten PCM using NSGA-II optimizer and artificial neural network

“…In fact, TES plays a pivotal role in renewable energies as it bridges the gap between power supply and its requirement over the course of peak hours. Among disparate approaches for storing thermal energy, latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) is of great significance and applicability by virtue of its noticeable storage capacity 2,3 . Phase change materials (PCMs) are extensively exploited in LHTES in view of not only high latent heat but trivial temperature changes during the phase change processes.…”