One-Dimensional Analysis of Energy Storage in Packed Capsules

A one-dimensional porous-medium model to determine the thermal characteristics of energy storage for the utilization of phase change material (PCM) in packed capsules has been developed. Comparisons of this theory with experimental data obtained in the previous work show good agreement. Predictions from the present model have also been compared with the lumped capacitance model which assumes temperature uniformity in the packed capsules and in the coolant flow. The results show that the one-dimensional model has the advantage of predicting the temperature distributions of PCM and coolant. For engineering application, a useful correlation of the overall heat-transfer coefficient for ice-water cool storage in packed capsules has also been presented.