Macroscopic and Microscale Phenomena in Multiphase Energy Storage and Transport Systems

Abstract

Complex macroscale and microscale heat and mass transfer phenomena are encountered in thermal energy storage and transport systems. Those systems involving ice slurries and nanoemulsions of phase change materials can be used for either cooling or heating applications or both, which can contribute to the reduced usage of electricity during peak hours. But heat and mass transfer and stability issues are encountered in the production, transport and storage of the heat storage media. In this paper, both the heat transfer enhancement effect and detrimental effects such as Ostwald ripening and supercooling are discussed along with the flow properties.