An Improved Model for Phase Change Material (PCM) Thermal Storage Tanks
Abstract
This work, performed in the context of the LowUP H2020 European project, presents a modelling approach for a PCM thermal storage tank. This model will allow estimating the potential of Latent Thermal Energy Storage technologies to support efficiency improvements in novel integrated heating and cooling solutions. Here, an existing modelling approach from literature is improved focusing on the mathematical representation of the PCM and its associated non-linear behaviour. Main modelling assumptions are based on an energy balance for the PCM (assuming homogeneous temperature), the by-pass factor accounting for heat transfer inefficiencies and a simple representation of the phase change process through reasoned parametrization of the h-T curve. Finally, the new proposed model is implemented into a custom TRNSYS Type and validated through satisfactory comparison between simulated and experimental values for several literature test cases.