Operation strategy of multiple stage independent phase change material modules integrated with thermal storage

• Published in: Journal of energy storage 2021-09, Vol.41, p.102898, Article 102898
• Main Authors: Khoury, S., Maatouk, C., El Khoury, K., Khatounian, F.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Latent energy; Multi-stage independent modules; Phase change material; Thermal energy storage; Usage temperature; Useful energy
• ISSN: 2352-152X; 2352-1538
• DOI: 10.1016/j.est.2021.102898

This paper presents a study on a new technique for the packed bed Thermal Energy Storage (TES) system that consists of having multiple stages of Phase Change Materials (PCMs) modules placed independently. The TES model is integrated with the domestic water heating application and consists of a cylindrical storage tank with spherical PCMs inside the tank. Water is used to transfer heat from the hot water to the PCMs during daytime. The system operates according to a well-defined control strategy that ensures an appropriate distribution of the heat transfer fluid toward the various modules. A parametric study is conducted to evaluate the thermal behavior of the PCMs and the storage performance of the system for complete charge and discharge modes. The paper evaluates the multiple stage independent PCM modules advantageous side compared to the conventional TES system and indicates that the usage temperature and useful energy are significantly enhanced through the use of the proposed technique. In addition to that, the charging and discharging processes analysis are conducted in order to examine the thermal behavior of the independent PCM modules with the variation of different operation parameters. •A new control strategy for the independent phase change material modules is introduced.•The implemented control strategy is compared to the conventional system.•Useful energy and usage temperature are significantly improved.•The study examines the impact of variation of different operation parameters.