Simulating charging and discharging

kez · March 2, 2016, 15:00

Hi,

I would like to simulate charging and discharging of a thermal energy storage unit. As of now, I have a rectangular geometry with the hot wall at 80C (left wall) and the cold wall set at 10C (right wall), the others are set as adiabatic. The PCMs melting temperature is 46C and solidification temperature at 43C.

I thought about adding to more sections to either side of the hot wall and side wall to simulate the temperature as water (as a heat transfer fluid), contacting the walls and heating it up this way. Would this be a good idea? If not, does anyone know how to simulate the charging and discharging.

Kind Regards

LuckyTran · March 2, 2016, 17:01

It depends what problem you are investigating and what question you are trying to answer. Adding unnecessary complications only distracts you from finding the answer if it is not part of the problem.

kez · March 2, 2016, 17:27

Well that's what I was thinking, I don't really want to add unnecessary components to a situation that doesn't require it.

My main motive is to find out how long it takes the PCM to store the heat and then discharge. I suppose it would also be necessary to find out how much energy the PCM has stored too.

Any ideas how to do this?

Thanks for the reply btw.

March 2, 2016, 17:01		#2
LuckyTran Senior Member Lucky Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Orlando, FL USA Posts: 5,674 Rep Power: 65	It depends what problem you are investigating and what question you are trying to answer. Adding unnecessary complications only distracts you from finding the answer if it is not part of the problem.

March 2, 2016, 17:27		#3
kez New Member Kieron Join Date: Jan 2015 Posts: 26 Rep Power: 11	Well that's what I was thinking, I don't really want to add unnecessary components to a situation that doesn't require it. My main motive is to find out how long it takes the PCM to store the heat and then discharge. I suppose it would also be necessary to find out how much energy the PCM has stored too. Any ideas how to do this? Thanks for the reply btw.