Performance enhancement of a latent heat thermal energy storage system using curved-slab containers

In order to realize an inexpensive and high capacity thermal energy storage (TES) system, we propose a new compact slab type container which has an arc outer configuration for promoting the appearance of close contact melting. Transient 2D numerical melting simulation of a solid phase change material (PCM) in a container is performed by the enthalpy-porosity approach. The simulated result quantitatively elucidated the experimental melting process from the beginning to the end. The TES system is composed of curved-slab containers filled with PCM subjected to convective boundary conditions where heat transfer fluid flows between the containers. The performance enhancement of the latent heat TES system was analyzed, and this system shows a large amount of storage capacity with higher efficiency. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.