A simplified model for the analysis of a phase-change material-based, thermal energy storage system

Abstract The concept of a phase-change material-based, thermal energy storage system is often used for different applications. A theoretical model to determine the thermal and fluid flow characteristics of a thermal energy storage system using a phase-change material has been developed. The model can be used to predict the energy storage behavior of different phase-change materials used with different heat transfer fluids, flow geometries, flow rates and temperatures. Results have been obtained for the case where the phase-change material is Na2SO4·10H2O (Glauber's salt) and the heat transfer fluid is water. The variation of the dimensionless temperatures of the fluid and the solid, and the molten fraction of the solid during the phase change process, with dimensionless time, for different values of Biot number, Stefan number, and the flow parameter have been determined. A discussion of the results obtained and the conclusions drawn from them are also given.