Development of a Low-cost, Scalable Spherical Pcm Storage Using Corrugated Pipes: Concept, Dimensioning and Prototype Design
Abstract
Thermal energy storage with phase change materials (PCM) enables compact and efficient heat storage, crucial for decarbonizing heat supply. A novel low-cost concept embeds corrugated pipes in bulk PCM (PCM58), avoiding costly encapsulation and improving thermal performance. A 60-liter spherical prototype models a 12 m³ system for urban heating, using dimensionless analysis for scalability. The design emphasizes hydraulic performance. Two downscaling strategies are used: one based on fluid residence time, the other on dynamic similarity. Corrugated pipes are modeled as helical coils, with pressure drops estimated using standard correlations. Detailed convective modeling is excluded, assuming sufficient heat exchange via conduction and natural convection. Preliminary results suggest DN16 pipes best balance performance and feasibility. The prototype will validate the design and guide a generalized methodology. Future work includes transient thermal analysis and measurements to refine assumptions.
Keywords
Thermal Energy Storage, Phase Change Material, Corrugated Pipes, Heat Exchange, Spherical Storage.