Abstract
Thermal energy storage systems provide cost-effective, compact, and scalable means to store heat compared to other storage systems. However, the current infrastructure of sensible storage systems suffers from low energy density and discharge at variable temperatures. In contrast, latent storage systems suffer from slow melting and solidifying of PCMs, segregation of PCM and volumetric expansion. Adsorption-based energy storage systems, when designed for fast charging and discharging, can cater to the needs of the energy storage landscape because they do not require high temperatures for regeneration while maintaining high energy density. This paper documents the computational modeling of a fast-acting thermal energy storage system employing an adsorbent-coated microchannel heat exchanger and condenser. Using microchannels results in excellent heat and mass transfer performance of the systems. The modeled system can quickly store the waste heat and release that heat very close to the inlet waste heat temperature for extended periods.
