A Simplified Analysis for Cold Storage in Porous Capsules With Solidification

Abstract

This paper investigates the thermal performance of a cold storage system utilizing water porous capsules as phase change material. The proposed cold storage system can be used to shift electric demand from periods of high demand to ones of low demand. A simple lump model to determine the thermal characteristics has been developed. The solution of the system equations is found through the Laplace transformation method. Experimental data of temperature profiles obtained in this study for various porosities, coolant flow rates, and inlet coolant temperatures validate the theory. Effects of dimensionless parameters on the charge characteristics were found.