Dynamic Charging Performance of a Solar Latent Heat Storage Unit for Efficient Energy Utilization

The dynamic charging performance of a solar heat storage system involving a packed bed containing spherical capsules is studied. The dynamic charging process of the solar heat storage system is simulated according to the energy balance equations. Paraffin is used as the phase change material (PCM) and water is used as the heat transfer fluid (HTF). The temperatures of the PCM and HTF, melting fraction and solar heat storage capacity are illustrated and analyzed. The influences of inlet temperature, initial temperature and flow rate of HTF, and the porosity of the packed bed on the charging time and heat storage capacity during the heat storage process are also discussed.