Compact Minichannel Latent Energy Storage for Air Related Cold Storage Applications
Cold storage using cold air in different applications can reduce the energy use and contribute to mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions significantly. Such applications are free cooling in HVAC systems, in automotive evaporators and in refrigeration systems running on floating condensing mode. Latent Thermal energy storage (LTES), employing Phase Change Materials (PCM) as energy storing medium, is a useful technology which can be used to reduce the energy consumption of energy systems. In the storage system, using air and PCM, a compact and robust heat exchanger in terms of energy density and power is highly in demand.
Funded by:
Swedish Energy Agency
Time period:
July 2019 – December 2021
Project partners:
Background
In air-PCM systems, both PCM and air suffer from a quite low thermal conductivity resulting in a low rate of heat transfer. Incorporating minichannels into storage unit is a unique and novel measure to enhance the heat transfer on both heat transfer fluid and PCM sides. Rectangular flat minichannels, have a high ratio of area to volume enhancing the rate of heat transfer without compromising the energy density. It is a robust design in terms of power and energy density which is not investigated yet and lacks attention. Integration and optimization of such heat exchanger with the heating, cooling and ventilation systems in buildings and in other applications such as automotive industry causes a more efficient energy system, reduces the energy use and finally mitigates the greenhouse gas emissions.
Aim and objectives
The main objective of this project is to design and optimize a unique minichannel-based air-PCM heat exchanger for energy systems related to buildings. The knowledge acquired through the research will be used to build and test a small scale prototype.