A Comparative Study on the Performance of Single and Multi-Layer Encapsulated Phase Change Material Packed-Bed Thermocline Tanks

This paper presents a numerical study that aims at investigating the effects of different parameters on dynamic performance single and multi-layer encapsulated phase material (PCM) thermocline tanks. A transient, one-dimensional, two-phase, concentric-dispersion model is formulated to evaluate such performance. Encapsulated paraffin waxes having melting-points are used as PCMs, with water heat transfer fluid. Comprehensive comparisons between single-PCM multiple-PCMs systems numerically analyzed first. Second, PCM volume fraction (VF) inverse Stefan number have been discussed. The results show among various cases single-PCM70 system has highest in terms charging discharging efficiency, followed by average Compared PCM40 case, PCM70 case 29% increase output energy from system. VF PCMs influences output, both storage release, period total stored increased 4.5%, when increases 33.33% 50%, respectively. Furthermore, it system’s overall efficiency utilization ratio 13.7% 25%, respectively, compared arrangement which occupies 50% bed height. effect significant impact ratio. all other 3-PCM systems, scenario lowest middle efficiencies 83.9% 80.8%, findings may be beneficial for design optimization packed-bed