Mathematical modelling of the thermal performance of a phase-change material (PCM) store: Cooling cycle

A mathematical model for the prediction of the thermal performances of a PCM store containing 1 m long and 38 mm diameter polypropylene tube has been developed in this study. Air was utilised in the store as the heat transfer fluid. The model was based on an energy balance or the 'conservation of energy principle'. The results indicate that the agreement between the predicted and observed temperature or heat transfer data is generally good. The amount of energy used in increasing the temperature of the PCM at any time during the phase-change process is predicted to be about 3.5% of the total energy stored. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd