Consecutive charging and discharging of a PCM-based plate heat exchanger with zigzag configuration

Due to the remarkable energy savings, isothermal nature of operation and low costs, storage with phase-change materials (PCMs) is a reliable technology for filling gap between supply demand. In this paper, an attempt has been made modify functionality PCM in plate type heat exchanger zigzag configuration. A two-dimensional, time-dependent simulation model phase transition during charging discharging modes developed validated via earlier related findings. The effects angle orientation, inlet flowrate mean temperature transfer fluid (HTF) are thoroughly studied revealed. Results show that increasing orientation no noticeable impact on development early stages operation. However, effect becomes more almost leads faster storage/retrieval rates as time further elapses. It found system 60° augments rate by 32.6% compared 30° angle. Also, higher HTF and/or Reynold number result phase-transition both parts charging-discharging cycle.