Abstract:
Numerical tools are widely used to optimize designs of
latent heat storage systems as well as to control their operative
conditions and control strategies. Within this context, the aim
of the authors is to compare the performance of the different
available numerical methodologies, which are used to model
the phase change processes occurring in a high temperature
heat storage system. The models are based on different types of
discretization, use different methodologies to approach the
phase change, and are implemented in different software
platforms. Moreover, the numerical results are compared
against experimental data from a test facility consisting of a flat
plate latent heat storage tank with a measured PCM melting
temperature at 219.5°C. The comparison of the different
numerical methodologies presented in this research does not
only focus on the agreement against experimental data, but on
the computational cost, speed and convergence performance, as
well. The results indicated that all four models provide good
agreement in comparison to the experimental results. However,
they differ significantly regarding convergence behavior. While
a C-based model is recommended for simulation models with a
small number of elements and small time steps, the models
implemented in MATLAB perform better for simulation
models with a high number of elements and large time steps.
Description:
Papers presented to the 12th International Conference on Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics, Costa de Sol, Spain on 11-13 July 2016.
