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Investigation of the Dynamic Melting Process in a Thermal Energy Storage Unit Using a Helical Coil Heat Exchanger

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  • Xun Yang

    (National Centre for International Research of Low-Carbon and Green Buildings, Ministry of Science & Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
    Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China)

  • Teng Xiong

    (National Centre for International Research of Low-Carbon and Green Buildings, Ministry of Science & Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
    Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China)

  • Jing Liang Dong

    (National Centre for International Research of Low-Carbon and Green Buildings, Ministry of Science & Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
    Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China)

  • Wen Xin Li

    (National Centre for International Research of Low-Carbon and Green Buildings, Ministry of Science & Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
    Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China)

  • Yong Wang

    (National Centre for International Research of Low-Carbon and Green Buildings, Ministry of Science & Technology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China
    Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Buildings and Built Environments, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400045, China)

Abstract

In this study, the dynamic melting process of the phase change material (PCM) in a vertical cylindrical tube-in-tank thermal energy storage (TES) unit was investigated through numerical simulations and experimental measurements. To ensure good heat exchange performance, a concentric helical coil was inserted into the TES unit to pipe the heat transfer fluid (HTF). A numerical model using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach was developed based on the enthalpy-porosity method to simulate the unsteady melting process including temperature and liquid fraction variations. Temperature measurements using evenly spaced thermocouples were conducted, and the temperature variation at three locations inside the TES unit was recorded. The effects of the HTF inlet parameters were investigated by parametric studies with different temperatures and flow rate values. Reasonably good agreement was achieved between the numerical prediction and the temperature measurement, which confirmed the numerical simulation accuracy. The numerical results showed the significance of buoyancy effect for the dynamic melting process. The system TES performance was very sensitive to the HTF inlet temperature. By contrast, no apparent influences can be found when changing the HTF flow rates. This study provides a comprehensive solution to investigate the heat exchange process of the TES system using PCM.

Suggested Citation

  • Xun Yang & Teng Xiong & Jing Liang Dong & Wen Xin Li & Yong Wang, 2017. "Investigation of the Dynamic Melting Process in a Thermal Energy Storage Unit Using a Helical Coil Heat Exchanger," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(8), pages 1-18, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:10:y:2017:i:8:p:1129-:d:106569
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    2. Peter Sivák & Peter Tauš & Radim Rybár & Martin Beer & Zuzana Šimková & František Baník & Sergey Zhironkin & Jana Čitbajová, 2020. "Analysis of the Combined Ice Storage (PCM) Heating System Installation with Special Kind of Solar Absorber in an Older House," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(15), pages 1-20, July.
    3. Yingjie Zhou & Qibin Li & Qiang Wang, 2019. "Energy Storage Analysis of UIO-66 and Water Mixed Nanofluids: An Experimental and Theoretical Study," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(13), pages 1-9, June.
    4. Ewelina Radomska & Lukasz Mika & Karol Sztekler & Lukasz Lis, 2020. "The Impact of Heat Exchangers’ Constructions on the Melting and Solidification Time of Phase Change Materials," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-44, September.
    5. Anh Tuan Le & Liang Wang & Yang Wang & Ngoc Tuan Vu & Daoliang Li, 2020. "Experimental Validation of a Low-Energy-Consumption Heating Model for Recirculating Aquaponic Systems," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(8), pages 1-20, April.
    6. Ma, Y. & Tao, Y. & Shi, L. & Liu, Q.G. & Wang, Y. & Tu, J.Y., 2021. "Investigations on the thermal performance of a novel thermal energy storage unit for poor solar conditions," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 180(C), pages 166-177.
    7. Yan Li & Zhe Yan & Chao Yang & Bin Guo & Han Yuan & Jian Zhao & Ning Mei, 2017. "Study of a Coil Heat Exchanger with an Ice Storage System," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(12), pages 1-13, December.

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