Title

Numerical And Analytical Simulation Of A Thermal Storage Unit For Building Hot Water

Abstract

The modeling of a latent heat storage unit can be done analytically and numerically, with the two approaches intersecting to help to validate simpler models. In this paper, numerical simulation with a two dimensional FLUENT model is used to determine the accuracy of the fin resistance used in a heat exchanger. This resistance model can then be used to determine which changes within the unit can improve it with a relatively quick calculation. FLUENT tracks the melting and solidification of a material through the enthalpy-porosity method, which is utilized in this simulation. The one dimensional analytical model is based upon the resistance model approach from heat transfer, and can be used to quickly analyze what effect a change in the storage unit has on its operation. In the future, this model will be used to parametrically analyze the storage unit and optimize it in terms of the number of fins, the heat exchange material, and the heat transfer fluid. The analytical model developed shows the same trends as the FLUENT model within an acceptable amount of error on both the melting and solidification processes. The comparison of the analytical and FLUENT models to established analytical models and experimental data shows the fact that several factors need to be taken into consideration when modeling a phase change process, including the shape of the melt front, natural convection within the melted wax, and the fin dimensions of the heat exchanger. Copyright © 2010 by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc. All rights reserved.

Publication Date

1-1-2010

Publication Title

8th Annual International Energy Conversion Engineering Conference

Number of Pages

-

Document Type

Article; Proceedings Paper

Personal Identifier

scopus

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2010-6680

Socpus ID

84856836417 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/84856836417

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