An assessment of the performance of heat transfer enhancement for optimizing high-temperature thermal energy storage
Authors: Ullah Fahim , Hasrat Kamran , Iqbal Sami , Kumar Sunel , Wang Shuang , Yuan Chuan , Mu Mao 
Published: June 2024

Background: High-temperature phase change materials (PCMs) are increasingly recognized for their potential in applications such as solar energy utilization, industrial waste heat recovery, and power load regulation. These materials can store and release significant amounts of latent heat, making them highly efficient for thermal energy storage. Purpose: This study aims to propose and analyze a novel structure to enhance latent heat energy storage using a graphite sheet combined with a PCM (KNO3-NaNO3) with a melting point of 220 K. The focus is on improving heat transfer efficiency and understanding the parameters affecting the exothermic process. Research Design: A numerical simulation approach was employed, using Fluent 7.1 software to analyze the exothermic process. The simulation method was validated with two examples before being applied to study the energy storage system incorporating graphite sheets. Study Sample: The study analyzed the performance of a high-temperature thermtotal energy storage (HTTES) system using graphite sheets of varying thicknesses, tube spacing, tube temperatures, and PCM thermal conductivities. Data Collection and/or Analysis: The study utilized numerical simulations to examine how different parameters i.e. thickness of graphite sheets, spacing between tubes, tube temperatures, and the thermal conductivity of PCM—affect heat transfer efficiency and exothermic time. Results: The integration of graphite sheets with a thickness of 2 mm was found to significantly improve heat transfer efficiency. The results indicated that increasing the spacing between graphite sheets and tube diameter influenced the total exothermic time. A logarithmic relationship was observed between the thermal conductivity coefficient and exothermic time, suggesting diminishing returns beyond 3.5 W/(m·K). Additionally, increasing the quantity of graphite sheets enhanced heat transmission and overall system efficiency. Conclusions: The study provides valuable insights into the performance of HTTES systems, demonstrating that incorporating graphite sheets can significantly enhance heat transfer and system efficiency. These findings guide the design of more effective thermal energy storage systems, supporting the broader adoption of HTTES technologies and contributing to the transition toward sustainable energy solutions. Further research and development in this field are essential to drive advancements and promote the widespread implementation of high-temperature thermal energy storage systems.

Practical applications

The enhanced heat transfer techniques developed in this research offer practical applications across various sectors. These techniques, utilizing PCMs and innovative graphite structures, enhance the efficiency and reliability of high-temperature thermal energy storage systems. This advancement enables continuous power generation in concentrated solar power (CSP) plants, optimizes energy utilization in district heating and cooling systems, and improves industrial waste heat recovery. By implementing these techniques, energy costs can be reduced, system performance can be optimized, and greenhouse gas emissions can be lowered, contributing to a more sustainable energy future.