Designs of PCM based heat exchangers constructions for thermal energy storage tanks – examples and case study for selected design

AGH University of Science and Technology, Department of Energy and Fuels, al. Mickiewicza 30, 30-059 Krakow, Poland

^* Corresponding author: marta.kuta@agh.edu.pl

Abstract

Increasing energy consumption in residential and public buildings requires development of new technologies for thermal energy production and storage. One of possibilities for the second listed need is the use of phase change materials (PCMs). This work is focused on solutions in this area and consists of two parts. First one is focused on different designs of thermal energy storage (TES) tanks based on the phase change materials. The second part is the analysis of tests results for TES tank containing shelf and tube heat exchanger and filled with phase change material. Thermal energy storage tank is analyzed in order to use it in domestic heating and hot utility water installations. The aim of this research was to check the applicability of phase change material for mentioned purpose. Results show that using phase change materials for thermal energy storage can increase amount of stored heat. The use of properly selected PCM and heat exchanger enables the process of thermal energy storing and releasing to become more efficient.