STUDY OF THE THERMAL PERFORMANCE OF A MULTILAYER PCM STORAGE UNIT

A model for prediction of the thermal performance of a multi-layer PCM (phase change material) storage unit is presented. The model rests on the conservation equation of energy for the PCM and for the HTF (heat transfer fluid). Electrical heat sources embedded inside the PCM are used for heat storage (melting), while the flow of a HTF is employed f or heat recovery (solidification). Parametric studies performed to ass ess the effect of various design and operating conditions lead to corr elations for the total energy stored and the average output heat load. With the help of these correlations, an optimum energy storage unit, aimed at reducing domestic electrical energy consumption during peak p eriod loads, is designed and its performance is assessed for different heat recovery strategies.