2ND-LAW-BASED THERMOECONOMIC OPTIMIZATION OF A SENSIBLE HEAT THERMAL-ENERGY STORAGE-SYSTEM

An analytical method for the second-law-based thermoeconomic optimizat ion of a sensible heat-storage system, in which the energy is stored i n a large liquid bath from a hot-gas source, is presented. In this app roach, monetary values are attached to the irreversible losses caused by the finite-temperature difference heat transfer and pressure drop i n the storage system. Results are presented in terms of the optimum nu mber of transfer units as a function of a dimensionless unit-cost rati o, charging time, and reduced temperature difference of the storage sy stem.