Numerical simulation of a complete charging-discharging phase of a shell and tube thermal energy storage with phase change material

Abstract Numerical simulations of a shell and tube energy storage device based on a phase change material (PCM) in vertical position are performed. The heat transfer fluid (HTF) is a diathermic oil and the PCM, made by molten salts, is confined within a closed shell surrounding the tube where the HTF flows. The energy loss through the external wall is included. The test has been carried out within the experimental activity performed by ENEA. A complete cycle is considered: the initial stabilization, the charging phase and the discharging phase. Details of flow behavior within the molten PCM are described highlighting its influence on the device performance