Paper No 032 – Optimization of Phase Change Thermal Energy Storage Unit Based on a New Thermal Resistance Model – 13th IEA Heat Pump Conference, Jeju, Korea
Considering the lack of the heat transfer behavior calculation methods of the phase change thermal energy storage (PCTES) unit, a new comprehensive model based on the effective thermal resistance coupled with heat transfer temperature difference is established and validated by CFD results. The effects of relative physical properties of the phase change material (PCM) and all the configuration parameters of the PCTES unit have been implemented into the model. It is proved that the average heat transfer rate and time duration for the PCM to be fully melt/solidified can be well predicted. To achieve better heat transfer behavior and larger heat storage density with acceptable cost, the optimization of fin-and-tube PCTES unit is established. Based on the average heat transfer rate per unit cost, the recommended structural parameters and PCM properties for PCTES unit are given.