Experimental Study of Varying Heat Transfer Fluid Parameters within a Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage System Enhanced by Fins

Kyle Shank, Jessica Bernat, Ethan Regal, Joel Leise, Xiaoxu Ji and Saeed Tiari
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Kyle Shank: Biomedical and Industrial Systems Engineering Department, Gannon University, 109 University Square, Erie, PA 16541, USA
Jessica Bernat: Biomedical and Industrial Systems Engineering Department, Gannon University, 109 University Square, Erie, PA 16541, USA
Ethan Regal: Mechanical Engineering Department, Gannon University, 109 University Square, Erie, PA 16541, USA
Joel Leise: Mechanical Engineering Department, Gannon University, 109 University Square, Erie, PA 16541, USA
Xiaoxu Ji: Biomedical and Industrial Systems Engineering Department, Gannon University, 109 University Square, Erie, PA 16541, USA
Saeed Tiari: Biomedical and Industrial Systems Engineering Department, Gannon University, 109 University Square, Erie, PA 16541, USA

Sustainability, 2022, vol. 14, issue 14, 1-14

Abstract: Latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) systems can be used to combat the limited collection and long-term storage of renewable energy sources. The key component of an LHTES system is its phase change material (PCM), which thermally stores energy. Despite extensive research on thermal conductivity enhancement within PCM, little attention has been paid to the heat transfer fluid (HTF) within the system. This study aimed to observe the impact of variable HTF flow rates and temperatures on the speed of charging and discharging an LHTES system enhanced with annular fins. Two copper fin configurations of 10 and 20 annular fins were tested within an LHTES system with Rubitherm RT-55 PCM. The configurations were tested during charging processes with HTF parameters of 65 °C and 70 °C at 1, 2, and 3 gpm. Discharging processes were tested with HTF parameters of 15 °C and 20 °C at 0.5, 1, and 1.5 gpm. The system energy response and PCM temperature were recorded throughout the tests. The results of the study revealed that a higher flow rate produced a shorter processing time, but furthermore, that a larger temperature gradient between the PCM and HTF caused a more significant decrease in charging and discharging times.

Keywords: renewable energy; latent heat; sensible heat; thermal energy storage; phase change material; shell-tube heat exchanger; fins (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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