Analysis and modelling of a phase change storage system for air conditioning applications

• Published in: Applied thermal engineering Vol. 21; no. 3; pp. 249 - 263
• Main Authors: Vakilaltojjar, S.M., Saman, W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01-02-2001; Elsevier
• Subjects: Air conditioning. Ventilation; Applied sciences; Energy; Energy efficiency; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Exact sciences and technology; Heating and cooling; Heating, air conditioning and ventilation; Phase change storage; Solar heating; Techniques, equipment. Control. Metering; Thermal storage; Transport and storage of energy; Phase change storage; Energy efficiency; Thermal storage; Heating and cooling; Solar heating; Air conditioning; Thermal energy storage; Models; PCM material; Thermal efficiency; Modeling; Comparative study
• ISSN: 1359-4311
• DOI: 10.1016/S1359-4311(00)00037-5

A phase-change energy storage system consisting of sections of different materials with different melting temperatures is proposed for air conditioning applications. The Phase Change Materials (PCMs) are placed in thin flat containers and air is passed through gaps between them. A semi-analytical model has been developed and calculations carried out using the finite elements method. Results obtained from three models with different assumptions are compared. The effect of the design parameters such as, PCM slab thickness and fluid passage gap on the storage performance is also investigated. The system is being developed for energy storage in solar heating and energy efficient space heating and cooling applications.