Elaboration and Experimental Validation of a Simplified Model for Encapsulated Ice Tanks Using a Bench Simulation Test Facility

Abstract

This work presents a simplified model for encapsulated ice tanks. The model considers the tank as a heat exchanger and uses the effectiveness approach to simulate the ice formation and melting periods. The main part of this work consisted of the development of empirical correlations for the thermal transmittance UA and tuning it based on experimental tests in a test facility. The input variables are the inlet temperature and flow rate of the secondary fluid, while the output variables are the outlet temperature, the heat transfer rates, and the ice tank inventory. It was verified that the heat transfer area for freezing and melting is not constant. Additionally, the model was validated for other tank capacities using manufacturer data. It was observed that a similarity exists, and general correlations of UA for both periods are expressed in terms of three dimensionless variables-the "weight ice fraction," the "energy ratio," and the "tank volume ratio."