Partial charging/discharging of bio-based latent heat energy storage enhanced with metal foam sheets

• Published in: International communications in heat and mass transfer 2022-01, Vol.130, p.105757, Article 105757
• Main Authors: Hashem Zadeh, Seyed Mohsen, Ghodrat, Maryam, Ayoubi Ayoubloo, Kasra, Sedaghatizadeh, Nima, Taylor, Robert A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Charging/discharging power (CP/DP); Partial charging/discharging; Partial metal foam; Phase change materials (PCM); Thermal Energy Storage (TES)
• ISSN: 0735-1933; 1879-0178
• DOI: 10.1016/j.icheatmasstransfer.2021.105757

Due to the intermittent/volatile nature of renewable energy resources, they may periodically fail to provide enough energy to complete the charging/discharging processes of Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage (LHTES) systems. However, only a limited understanding is available for the implications of partial charging/discharging. To address this knowledge gap, the present study numerically analysed the performance of a circular LHTES under partial charging/discharging modes. Three sheets of aluminium foam (all spaced equally at 120°) were added to enhance the thermal response of the storage. Sixteen different storage configurations were studied and revealed that the angle of the right-most metal foam sheet (θ) and their thickness (wmf) considerably affect the charging/discharging process. According to the proposed capacity-based and time-based charging/discharging powers, it was found that the configuration with maximum complete charging power (case no.7, θ=π/6 and wmf=7 mm) does not necessarily exhibit the best performance during partial charging mode. Instead, case no.7 has up to 6% lower charging power than the other cases when partially charged. Finally, it was revealed that a Y-shaped design can achieve optimal performance if it is charged in the upright orientation, but rotated 60° (i.e., to a ⅄-shaped orientation) to maximise the discharging process. •Partial charging/discharging processes of a LHTES is analysed.•The impact of three sheets of aluminium foam on the full and partial charging/discharging modes of the LHTES is studied.•The best design for full charging/discharging processes may not necessarily exhibit highest performance during partial mode.•Y- and ⅄-shaped configurations are the best for charging and discharging processes, respectively.•The impact of using porous foam is more promising in the charging process than during discharging.