THERMAL PERFORMANCE OF A HEAT-STORAGE MODULE USING PCMS WITH DIFFERENT MELTING TEMPERATURE - EXPERIMENTAL

A latent heat storage module was constructed, consisting of 45 cylindrical capsules fixed vertically in 15 rows. The capsules, made of0.335-m long copper tubes having external diameters of 31.8 mm, were fixed in an insulated rectangular duct. Three commercial waxes having melting temperatures of 44°C, 53°C, and 64°C were selected. Each of the three sets of 15 tubes was filled with different wax. For comparison purposes, experiments were also done with a single commercial wax, having a melting temperature of 53°C, in all the tubes. During heat charge, hot air flowed across the capsules such that the melting temperature of the waxes decreased in the flow direction. Air flow direction was reversed during heat discharge. Experimental measurements showed some improvement in the heat transfer rates during both heat charge and discharge when three types of PCM’s were used. There was no improvement in the heat transfer rate during the sensible heat storage period, while a maximum increase of 15 percent was observed during the latent heat period. Theoretical predictions for the performance of the storage module were in reasonable agreement with the experimental measurements. © 1990 by ASME.