Enhancing Thermal Energy Storage Using Phase-Change Materials in a Horizontal Cylinder

Abstract

The world’s energy landscape heavily relies on fossil energy sources including natural gas, coal, and oil which power various sectors of society. However, the utilization of these energy resources is accompanied by the release contribute to climate change and global warming through the release of greenhouse gases and carbon dioxide (CO2). To address the environmental limitations associated with fossil fuels, there is a pressing need to explore alternative methods for energy production.

The present study introduces a distinctive approach to energy production and storage by employing phase-change materials (PCMs) for latent heat thermal energy storage. The primary objective is to assess the thermal performance of this energy storage technique utilizing materials with phase change. To achieve this, an experiment is conducted to measure temperature variations along the axial direction of copper tubes. These tubes, measuring 650 mm in length, 25 mm in diameter, and 2 mm in thickness, are employed as the core components of our system. To minimize heat transfer losses to the surrounding environment, we implemented a design strategy consisting of encasing the copper tubes within a 600 mm long acrylic tube 45 mm in diameter and 5 mm in thickness. Furthermore the tube is rapped with insulated with thermal insulating materials. The experiments were conducted within a double-pipe, horizontal acrylic-based unit for latent heat storage.