Numerical simulation of cascade latent heat thermal energy storage device thermal performance using multiple PCMs

Olivier Botella, Amankeldy Toleukhanov, Yelnar Yerdesh, Abzal Seitov, Abdurashid Aliuly

2024

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DOI 10.1063/5.0200365
Data confidence 70 medium
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Abstract

Short-term (daily) and long-term (seasonal) thermal energy storage allows efficient use of renewable thermal energy by replacing fossil fuel systems.In the present research, a three-dimensional numerical simulation of the thermal efficiency of a single-stage and three-stage cascaded shell-and-tube type latent heat thermal energy storage device is carried out using various phase change materials.The mathematical model is based on the fundamental conservation laws of mass, momentum, and energy.Numerical implementation was carried out using built-in solvers of COMSOL Multiphysics v.5.6 software.The numerical solver was verified by comparison with experimental data with acceptable agreement.A comparison of calculations between single and cascade configurations showed that the use of a multi-stage configuration allows for an increase in the temperature range of considered thermal energy storage devices.The use of the internal finned structure of containers almost halves the charging and discharging time.The developed numerical calculation tool can be used in the future to study the thermal efficiency of more complex thermal energy storage device configurations, considering three dimensions and phase transitions.