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Design and performance evaluation of a dual-circuit thermal energy storage module for air conditioners

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  • Goyal, Anurag
  • Kozubal, Eric
  • Woods, Jason
  • Nofal, Malek
  • Al-Hallaj, Said

Abstract

We present experimental results and a validated numerical model of a dual-circuit phase-change thermal energy storage module for air conditioners. The module incorporates a phase-change material encapsulated in compressed expanded natural graphite foam. We used n-tetradecane as the PCM with a transition temperature (~4.5 °C) suitable for air-conditioning applications. Heat exchange to and from the module is accomplished through two fluid loops operating as a heat source and sink embedded inside multiple slabs of the composite material. This dual-circuit design enables easier integration with air-conditioning equipment and provides enhanced flexibility in system operation as compared to the state-of-the-art thermal storage systems. When integrated with an air-conditioner, this design will enable peak-load shaving and enhances operational efficiency. The thermal storage device was designed for a nominal storage capacity of ~ 3.5 kWh. We evaluated the heat transfer and energy storage performance of this device using standalone heat transfer experiments to estimate key thermal resistances and identify design improvements before integration with an air conditioner. The numerical model of the heat exchanger uses a combination of discretized and lumped parameter approaches to maintain a balance between accuracy and computational expense. Our analyses show that the geometric features and integration of fluid tubes are key contributors to the thermal contact resistance between the fluid and the thermal storage material, and consequently, to the overall performance of the thermal storage module. Our standalone experiments also identified important operating scenarios in which this thermal storage module can be used for air-conditioning in buildings.

Suggested Citation

  • Goyal, Anurag & Kozubal, Eric & Woods, Jason & Nofal, Malek & Al-Hallaj, Said, 2021. "Design and performance evaluation of a dual-circuit thermal energy storage module for air conditioners," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 292(C).
  • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:292:y:2021:i:c:s030626192100338x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2021.116843
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Zhao, Weihuan & France, David M. & Yu, Wenhua & Kim, Taeil & Singh, Dileep, 2014. "Phase change material with graphite foam for applications in high-temperature latent heat storage systems of concentrated solar power plants," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 69(C), pages 134-146.
    2. Arteconi, A. & Hewitt, N.J. & Polonara, F., 2012. "State of the art of thermal storage for demand-side management," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 93(C), pages 371-389.
    3. Uddin, Moslem & Romlie, Mohd Fakhizan & Abdullah, Mohd Faris & Abd Halim, Syahirah & Abu Bakar, Ab Halim & Chia Kwang, Tan, 2018. "A review on peak load shaving strategies," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 82(P3), pages 3323-3332.
    4. Zhai, X.Q. & Wang, X.L. & Wang, T. & Wang, R.Z., 2013. "A review on phase change cold storage in air-conditioning system: Materials and applications," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 22(C), pages 108-120.
    5. Jason Woods & Allison Mahvi & Anurag Goyal & Eric Kozubal & Adewale Odukomaiya & Roderick Jackson, 2021. "Rate capability and Ragone plots for phase change thermal energy storage," Nature Energy, Nature, vol. 6(3), pages 295-302, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Zhengjing Li & Yishun Sha & Xuelai Zhang, 2024. "Research on Phase Change Cold Storage Materials and Innovative Applications in Air Conditioning Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-24, August.
    2. Huang, Ransisi & Mahvi, Allison & James, Nelson & Kozubal, Eric & Woods, Jason, 2024. "Evaluation of phase change thermal storage in a cascade heat pump," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 359(C).
    3. Xiong, Chengyan & Meng, Qinglong & Wei, Ying'an & Luo, Huilong & Lei, Yu & Liu, Jiao & Yan, Xiuying, 2023. "A demand response method for an active thermal energy storage air-conditioning system using improved transactive control: On-site experiments," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 339(C).

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