EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS OF THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM WITH DIFFERENT PHASE CHANGE MATERIALS (PCM)

Abstract

Thermal energy storage systems (TESS) are recently undergoing a revolution, owing to their significant impact on modern technology and wide range of applications, including space and water heating, waste heat utilization, cooling, and air conditioning. But there is a lag between energy demand and supply, so energy storage is important to fulfill this lag. Increasing energy demands, scarcity of fossil fuels, and the continued rise in greenhouse gas emissions are primary motivators for focusing on renewable energy sources. Due to the irregular and unexpected nature of solar energy, which is a very efficient, inexpensive, and reliable energy source, solar thermal energy storage devices require more investigation and research. Purpose of this work is to study the actual working, experimental analysis of thermal energy storage system using organic phase change materials i.e. Paraffin wax, Fatty acid, and cascading system. The exchange of heat between HTF and the PCM is analysed and different temperature curves have been plotted to see the variation. The energy equations are used between heat exchanging materials with appropriate assumptions to see the real time working condition of the TES system. The constancy of Phase Change Materials (PCM) in latent heat storage makes them a favored option among the various types of energy storage systems that use various materials. PCM is a good way to store thermal energy since it has a high storage density and is isothermal in nature. TES system is designed, manufactured, and commissioned in this experiment to collect data on the thermal performance of the thermal energy storage tank. The cylindrical capsules in this TES tank are coated with phase change materials like paraffin wax and fatty acid. Heat transfer fluid (HTF) is used as a medium for transferring heat. In this study, the charging (melting of PCM) and discharging (solidification of PCM) characteristics of phase change material in a TES tank are investigated and further future scope of work has been discussed.