Measuring the maximum capacity and thermal resistances in phase-change thermal storage devices

Mahvi, Allison; Shete, Kedar Prashant; Odukomaiya, Adewale; Woods, Jason

doi:10.1016/j.est.2022.105514

Measuring the maximum capacity and thermal resistances in phase-change thermal storage devices

Journal Article · Tue Aug 30 00:00:00 EDT 2022 · Journal of Energy Storage

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.est.2022.105514· OSTI ID:1886870

^[1]; Shete, Kedar Prashant ^[2]; ^[1]; ^[1]

National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)
Univ. of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA (United States)

Thermal energy storage can increase the efficiency of the electric grid by adding flexibility to thermal systems. The value of thermal storage is a function of its energy and power density, which are driven by the capacity and thermal resistances in the storage device. Measuring these properties in-situ at the device level is an important step to understanding the performance and improving the design of thermal storage systems. Here, we present methods to measure the total capacity and thermal resistances in heat exchangers with integrated phase change materials. These methods are demonstrated on two thermal storage devices - a 570-kWh ice-based storage tank and a 0.35-kWh graphite-tetradecane composite device. The results show how thermal resistances evolve with the state of charge and discharge rate in these devices and quantify the impact of applied pressure on the contact resistance in composite phase change material heat exchangers. The proposed method allows for easy comparison between different systems and provides information on the thermal bottlenecks limiting performance. Ultimately, these measurements will allow designers to make robust, high-performance thermal storage devices for next-generation thermal systems.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Energy Efficiency Office. Building Technologies Office

Grant/Contract Number:: AC36-08GO28308

OSTI ID:: 1886870

Report Number(s):: NREL/JA-5500-80823; MainId:78601; UUID:1a4f1479-7554-449c-ba0a-68634fb6609b; MainAdminID:65289

Journal Information:: Journal of Energy Storage, Journal Name: Journal of Energy Storage Journal Issue: Part B Vol. 55; ISSN 2352-152X

Publisher:: ElsevierCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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Measuring the maximum capacity and thermal resistances in phase-change thermal storage devices

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