Two applications of a numerical approach of heat transfer process within rock beds

Abstract A general method for solving the differential equations describing the heat transfer process within a rock bed is presented. A numerical model accounting for secondary phenomena such as thermal losses and conduction effect is developed. The results of the study are presented in the form of curves and empirical equations. Two applications of this theoretical model are then investigated. One is the elaboration of a new calculation method for the volumetric convective heat transfer coefficient using the compared results of theoretical modeling and experimental tests. The second application is a design method for solar applications of rock-bed storage with determination of optimal values for parameters such as air velocity, particle diameter and geometrical aspects of the storage unit.