A novel double-pipe heat storage unit

A. Rozenfeld, Y. Kozak, T. Rozenfeld, G. Ziskind

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

This research is an experimental investigation of a doublepipe heat storage unit. The inner pipe of the unit, through which a heat-Transfer fluid (HTF) is supplied, is made of aluminum and has an outer helix-like fin. The annular space between the pipes is filled with a phase change material (PCM). Actually, this research presents a novel design of the heat storage unit, which, unlike traditional designs with e.g. radial (circumferential) or longitudinal fins, has a single fin which does not divide the shell volume into separated cells. Moreover, this research focuses on close-contact melting (CCM), a process which is characterized by detachment of the solid bulk from the unit envelope and its sinking towards the hot fin surface. In previous investigations, performed in our laboratory, this effect has been achieved in units with above-mentioned traditional fin configurations. It was demonstrated that CCM reduces the overall melting time, i.e. the rate of unit charging, significantly as compared with commonly encountered melting in which the fins serve just to enlarge the heat transfer area. The experimental system employed in this study includes a vertically-oriented double-pipe heat storage unit and thermostatic baths capable of providing hot or cold HTF. The unit has a transparent Perspex shell which makes visualization possible. The entire unit may be placed in a heated water tank with transparent walls. In the latter case, close-contact melting is achieved by detaching the solid phase from the envelope and thus allowing its gravity-induced motion. Regular melting is compared to CCM and advantages of the latter are demonstrated. Also demonstrated are the advantages of the novel fin, including in solidification. Possible mathematical and numerical modeling of the melting processes is discussed.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationHeat Transfer in Energy Systems; Thermophysical Properties; Theory and Fundamentals in Heat Transfer; Nanoscale Thermal Transport; Heat Transfer in Equipment; Heat Transfer in Fire and Combustion; Transport Processes in Fuel Cells and Heat Pipes; Boiling and Condensation in Macro, Micro and Nanosystems
PublisherAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers
ISBN (Electronic)9780791850329
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2016
EventASME 2016 Heat Transfer Summer Conference, HT 2016, collocated with the ASME 2016 Fluids Engineering Division Summer Meeting and the ASME 2016 14th International Conference on Nanochannels, Microchannels, and Minichannels - Washington, United States
Duration: 10 Jul 201614 Jul 2016

Publication series

NameASME 2016 Heat Transfer Summer Conference, HT 2016, collocated with the ASME 2016 Fluids Engineering Division Summer Meeting and the ASME 2016 14th International Conference on Nanochannels, Microchannels, and Minichannels
Volume1

Conference

ConferenceASME 2016 Heat Transfer Summer Conference, HT 2016, collocated with the ASME 2016 Fluids Engineering Division Summer Meeting and the ASME 2016 14th International Conference on Nanochannels, Microchannels, and Minichannels
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityWashington
Period10/07/1614/07/16

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Fluid Flow and Transfer Processes

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