A comparison of radial-flow and axial-flow packed beds for thermal energy storage

J.D. McTigue and A.J. White

Applied Energy, 2018, vol. 227, issue C, 533-541

Abstract: Packed-bed thermal reservoirs are an integral component in a number of electrical energy storage technologies. The present paper concentrates on packed beds where the heat transfer fluid travels along the radial co-ordinate. The governing energy equations and various mechanisms that cause exergetic losses are discussed. The radial-flow packed bed is compared to a dimensionally similar axial-flow packed bed. This approach provides a fair assessment of the underlying behaviour of the two designs. Multi-objective optimisation allows a wide range of design variables to be considered, and is employed to compare optimal radial-flow and axial-flow stores. Axial-flow stores that have been segmented into layers are also considered. The results indicate that radial-flow stores have a comparable thermodynamic performance, but that the additional volume required for by-pass flows leads to higher capital costs.

Keywords: Thermal energy storage; Packed beds; Heat transfer; Exergetic loss; Optimisation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (10)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:appene:v:227:y:2018:i:c:p:533-541

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DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2017.08.179

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