Simulation and performance analysis of a cooling energy storage system based on encapsulated nano‐enhanced phase change materials

Abstract

The present study investigates the effects of different parameters on the performance of a cold energy storage system based on spherical capsules using twoand three-dimensional (2D and 3D) numerical analyses. The effect of different arrangements of the capsules is studied using a 2D model. The impact of using nanoparticles, diameter, and material of a spherical capsule and working parameters that affect the melting and solidification process are evaluated in a 3D model. The results revealed that the hexagonal arrangement compared to the triangular and rectangular arrangements, yields a lower charging time of 10.71% and 16.67%, respectively. Utilization of a 3% volume fraction of graphene nanoparticles in the phase change material reduces the charging and discharging process time by 11.11% and 22.22%, respectively. The diameter of the capsule is an effective parameter for the charging and discharging time, so the capsule with a diameter of 20 mm in comparison with a diameter of 40 mm reduces the charging and discharging time by 71.1% and 66.67%, respectively. Also, capsules made of graphite yield lower charging process time compared to plastic and glass capsules by 17.39% and 5%, respectively.

Numerical prediction of the solidification and melting of encapsulated nano‐enhanced phase change materials

“…Ghojavand et al 24 developed 2D and 3D numerical models for cold storage in an ice bank with spherical capsules. By incorporating a 3 vol% volume of graphene nanoparticles, the charging and discharging process time can be reduced by 11.11% and 22.22%, respectively.…”

Thermal analysis of a cascaded latent thermal storage tank in a solar domestic water heating system

“…These techniques include incorporating fins, [14][15][16] using porous matrices, 17,18 and dispersing high-conductive nanoparticles in PCMs. [19][20][21][22][23] Apart from these additive techniques, some researchers have proposed innovative designs of LTES systems that enhance the heat exchange surface between PCMs and heat transfer fluid (HTF). Elbahjaoui et al 24 introduced the concept of a triple concentric-tube TES tank for SDHW systems, deviating from the commonly used double concentric-tube TES tank.…”