A method of testing for rating thermal storage devices based on thermal performance

This paper describes a proposed test method for determining the “effective capacity” and heat loss characteristics of thermal storage devices. The prescribed series of tests should provide useful data for the rating of thermal storage devices based on thermal performance. The apparatuses and major components used in the tests have been prescribed so a liquid or air can be used as the transfer fluid. The series of tests to be conducted consist of one steady-state test to determine the heat loss characteristics and eight transient tests to determine the “effective capacity” for both heat storage and heat removal. During the transient tests, the entering fluid temperature is changed in a step-wise manner and amount of energy either stored or removed over a specified test time is determined. Sample experimental data are given in the paper to demonstrate the concept of the transient tests.