Numerical Simulation Study of Heat Transfer Fluid Boiling Effects on Phase Change Material in Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage Units

Minghao Yu (), Xun Zheng, Jing Liu, Dong Niu, Huaqiang Liu and Hongtao Gao
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Minghao Yu: Department of Energy and Power Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China
Xun Zheng: Department of Energy and Power Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China
Jing Liu: College of Ocean and Civil Engineering, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, China
Dong Niu: Department of Energy and Power Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China
Huaqiang Liu: Department of Energy and Power Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China
Hongtao Gao: Department of Energy and Power Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, China

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 14, 1-19

Abstract: The innovation in thermal storage systems for solar thermal power generation is crucial for achieving efficient utilization of new energy sources. Molten salt has been extensively studied as a phase change material (PCM) for latent heat thermal energy storage systems. In this study, a two-dimensional model of a vertical shell-and-tube heat exchanger is developed, utilizing water-steam as the heat transfer fluid (HTF) and phase change material for heat transfer analysis. Through numerical simulations, we explore the interplay between PCM solidification and HTF boiling. The transient results show that tube length affects water boiling duration and PCM solidification thickness. Higher heat transfer fluid flow rates lower solidified PCM temperatures, while lower heat transfer fluid inlet temperatures delay boiling and shorten durations, forming thicker PCM solidification layers. Adding fins to the tube wall boosts heat transfer efficiency by increasing contact area with the phase change material. This extension of boiling time facilitates greater PCM solidification, although it may not always optimize the alignment of bundles within the thermal energy storage system.

Keywords: thermal energy storage; phase change material; flow boiling; discharging performance; numerical simulation (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: 2025
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