Thermal performance of a heat storage module using PCM's with different melting temperatures

Journal Article · Mon May 01 00:00:00 EDT 1989 · J. Sol. Energy Eng.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1115/1.3268301· OSTI ID:5920609

Farid, M M; Kanzawa, A

The performance of a heat storage unit consisting of number of vertical cylindrical capsules filled with phase change materials, with air flowing across them for heat exchange has been analyzed. Earlier theoretical models did not consider temperature distribution in the radial direction within the capsules, an assumption that limits their applications for small diameter capsules. The mathematical model developed in this work is based on solving the heat conduction equation in both melt and solid phases in cylindrical coordinates, taking into account the radial temperature distribution in both phases. Heat flux was then evaluated at the surface of the first row of the capsules to determine the temperature of the air leaving that row by a simple heat balance. It was found that such computation may be carried out for every few rows rather than for a single row to minimize computer time. The simulation study showed a significant improvement in the rate of heat transfer during heat charge and discharge when phase change materials with different melting temperatures were used.

• Research Organization: 0745200; 6259000
• OSTI ID: 5920609
• Journal Information: J. Sol. Energy Eng.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Sol. Energy Eng.; (United States) Vol. 111:2; ISSN JSEED
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
142000* -- Solar Energy-- Heat Storage-- (1980-)
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS
990230 -- Mathematics & Mathematical Models-- (1987-1989)
ENERGY STORAGE
EQUATIONS
HEAT EXCHANGERS
HEAT STORAGE
MATERIALS TESTING
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MELTING
PHASE STUDIES
PHASE TRANSFORMATIONS
STORAGE
TEMPERATURE DISTRIBUTION
TESTING