Solidification and Melting Periods of an Ice-on-Coil Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage System

Abstract

This paper presents experimental investigations of charging (solidification) and discharging (internal/external melting) periods of an ice-on-coil type latent heat thermal energy storage system. Experimental investigations are performed for various constant heat loads and inlet temperatures with several flow rates of the heat transfer fluid. In experiments, variations of the solid/liquid interfaces around the tubes are monitored with the aid of 15 interface measurement cards for both solidification and melting periods. Energy variations obtained from the measurement cards are validated by conservation of energy, and the mean difference is obtained as 5%. The parametric results indicated that the inlet temperature and the flow rate of the secondary coolant are significant both on the charging and discharging capability of the system. It is also introduced that, for the current experimental conditions, external melting mode can supply relatively lower outlet temperatures for a longer period in comparison with the internal melting mode.