Numerical modelling of a latent thermal energy storage system for high efficiency processes

Abstract : The goal of our study is to analyse the performances of a latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) solution by modelling its behaviour when considering the thermal and hydraulic phenomena. This work consists in developing and implementing a module dedicated to the resolution of Eulerian (fixed grid) conservation equations for an incompressible fluid in the presence of a phase change where convective motions are present (convection dominated phase change). The model is done by using the free CFD software OpenFOAM. The purpose of this paper is to present some of the results obtained through the use of our modelling tool. Thermophysical properties of the phase change material (PCM) are essential input data for the model. The model allows us to show a preponderance of the good determination of these properties and, in particular, the major role played by the numerical models used to characterize the phase change phenomenon in the prediction of the storage performances.