Numerical Investigation on a Packed-Bed LHTES System Integrated into a Micro Electrical and Thermal Grid

Vittorio Tola, Simone Arena, Mario Cascetta and Giorgio Cau
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Vittorio Tola: Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
Simone Arena: Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
Mario Cascetta: Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
Giorgio Cau: Department of Mechanical, Chemical and Materials Engineering, University of Cagliari, Via Marengo 2, 09123 Cagliari, Italy

Energies, 2020, vol. 13, issue 8, 1-15

Abstract: Currently, energy storage systems are considered a key solution when mismatch occurs between energy supply and demand, allowing a more efficient energy deployment and use. The present paper is focused on the study of a latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) system based on a packed bed of encapsulated phase change material (PCM) of spherical shape, conceived as an auxiliary component of a micro-grid to be built in a Research Center located in southwestern Sardinia (Italy). The main purpose of this work was to perform numerical simulations for predicting the performance of the TES system, designed to store the surplus thermal energy produced during the weekend by a heat pump fed by a photovoltaic (PV) plant. The stored energy would then be utilized during the weekdays to integrate the air-conditioning system supply. The numerical simulations were based on a one-dimensional (1-D) two-equation transient model, able to return the thermocline profile of the water and the PCM separately. The behavior of the LHTES device during charge and discharge phases was reproduced, as well as during the standby periods. Finally, two characteristic indexes of the PV system were evaluated, to investigate the effect of TES on grid interchanges, self-consumption, and self-sufficiency.

Keywords: LHTES; phase change material (PCM); thermal energy storage; packed-bed; thermocline; micro-grid; photovoltaic plant (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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