A Hybrid Thermal Energy Storage Device, Part 1: Design MethodologyA thermal response model for designing a hybrid thermal energy storage (TES) heat sink is developed. The stabilization time and maximum operating (hot side) temperature-totransition temperature difference are used to characterize the performance of the heat sink. The thermal properties of the PCM employed in the design are investigated. Integration of a design optimization algorithm into a thermal performance model of the TES-hybrid heat sink results in determination of a best design subject to geometric and heat loading constraints. A prototype based on this best design is build and used to benchmark the performance model. The performance measured is consistent with the simulation model predictions of performance.
Two figures of merit for hybrid Thermal Energy Storage (TES) units are developed: the volumetric figure of merit, V˜, and the temperature control figure of merit, ΔT˜. A dimensional analysis shows that these quantities are related to the performance specification of the storage unit and its physical design. A previously benchmarked semi-empirical finite volume model is used to study the characteristics of various plate-type TES-unit designs. A parametric study is used to create a database of optimal designs, which is then used to form simple correlations of V˜ and ΔT˜ in terms of design requirements and attributes. A preliminary design procedure utilizing these figures of merit is suggested. Sample calculations show that these correlations can be used to quickly determine the design attributes of a plate-type TES-unit, given design requirements.
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