Thermal Analysis Of Energy Storage System For Cooling Applications

Abstract

Thermal energy storage is one of the key technologies for energy conservation, and therefore, it is of great practical importance. Thermal energy storage systems are designed to produce the necessary cooling effect during peak hours by utilising the advantage of cheaper electric utility rates during normal hours. This thesis investigates the effects of various design factors like mass flow rate of air, selection of materials for the coolant and storage medium for the optimal usage of an energy storage system that lowers operating costs while providing adequate occupant comfort conditions in commercial application. The basic operating strategy of the Thermal Energy Storage systems is to reduce peak time energy consumption. Energy is stored during normal hours and this stored energy is utilised during the peak time. Water, calcium chloride is used as Phase Change Materials and ethyl alcohol, glycol as coolants for the proposed Thermal energy storage system. Analytical study was carried out on the system to measure its effectiveness based on the cooling effect and temperature variation. Further, the system was fabricated based on the design and comparative study was performed keeping in mind the factors like consistency of performance, suitability and availability of working fluids and PCM’s. From the works performed, adoption of energy storage based air conditioning systems have proven to be cost effective from a consumer’s perspective, if different electricity tariffs are available for the peak and normal hours.