Utilizing phase change materials in thermal energy storage systems is commonly considered as an alternative solution for the effective use of energy. This study presents numerical simulations of the charging process for a multitube latent heat thermal energy storage system. A thermal energy storage model, consisting of five tubes of heat transfer fluids, was investigated using Rubitherm phase change material (RT35) as the. The locations of the tubes were optimized by applying the Taguchi method. The thermal behavior of the unit was evaluated by considering the liquid fraction graphs, streamlines, and isotherm contours. The numerical model was first verified compared with existed experimental data from the literature. The outcomes revealed that based on the Taguchi method, the first row of the heat transfer fluid tubes should be located at the lowest possible area while the other tubes should be spread consistently in the enclosure. The charging rate changed by 76% when varying the locations of the tubes in the enclosure to the optimum point. The development of streamlines and free-convection flow circulation was found to impact the system design significantly. The Taguchi method could efficiently assign the optimum design of the system with few simulations. Accordingly, this approach gives the impression of the future design of energy storage systems.
Phase change materials are extensively studied for use in low-, mid-, and high-temperature applications due to their melting and solidification temperatures, latent heat, and thermophysical properties. This work aims to explore the energy stored, or released and their duration for the energy storage unit formed of a phase change material surrounding a tube within which a hot or cold, single or Two-Phase fluid flows, serving as a heat source or sink. The 3D axial transient thermal analysis of the energy storage unit is performed using the finite element method via a MATLAB-developed computer program. The effects of single- or Two-Phase fluid flow on temperature distribution, solidification, melting duration, and energy stored within phase ch
... Show MoreConstruction and operation of (2 m) parabolic solar dish for hot water application were illustrated. The heater was designed to supply hot water up to 100 oC using the clean solar thermal energy. The system includes the design and construction of solar tracking unit in order to increase system performance. Experimental test results, which obtained from clear and sunny day, refer to highly energy-conversion efficiency and promising a well-performed water heating system.
Entropy generation was studied for new type of heat exchanger (shell and double concentric tubes heat exchanger). Parameters of hot oil flow rate, temperature of inlet hot oil and pressure drop were investigated with the concept of entropy generation. The results showed that the value of entropy generation increased with increasing the flow rate of hot oil and when cold water flow rate was doubled from 20 to 40 l/min, these values were larger. On the other hand, entropy generation increased with increasing the hot oil inlet temperature at a certain flow rate of hot oil. Furthermore, at a certain hot oil inlet temperature, the entropy generation increased with the pressure drop at different hot oil inlet flow rates. Final
... Show MoreThe concept of entransy dissipation was determined for new type of heat exchanger (shell and double concentric tubes heat exchanger). Three parameters, hot oil flow rate, temperature of inlet hot oil and pressure drop of system were investigated with this concept (entransy dissipation). The results showed that the value of entransy dissipation of oil and of system which represents the summation of entransy dissipation of both oil and water increased with increasing the flow rate of hot oil and these values were larger when cold water flow rate was doubled. Also they were increased with increasing the hot oil inlet temperature at a certain flow rate of hot oil. Furthermore, the pressure drops for hot oil in both shell side and inner tubes
... Show MoreThis work provides a historical overview of water storage tanks used for solar energy collection, with a focus on the impact of different geometric configurations on thermal performance and energy storage efficiency. The designs of cylindrical, spherical, rectangular and triangular tanks were reviewed to analyse their effects on thermal gradients, heat retention and energy storage capacity. Within the scope of nominal processes, the study primarily aimed to identify the factors influencing the choice of tank shape in terms of size, capacity and aspect ratio. Another key objective was to assess what enhances heat storage in the tank to improve thermal efficiency. Comparing cylindrical shapes to other shapes, such as spherical, rectan
... Show MorePhase change materials are known to be good in use in latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) systems, but one of their drawbacks is the slow melting and solidification processes. So that, in this work, enhancing heat transfer of phase change material is studied experimentally for in charging and discharging processes by the addition of high thermal conductive material such as copper in the form of brushes, which were added in both PCM and air sides. The additions of brushes have been carried out with different void fractions (97%, 94% and 90%) and the effect of four different air velocities was tested. The results indicate that the minimum brush void fraction gave the maximum heat transfer in PCM and reduced the time
... Show More