Prediction of Thermal Characteristics of Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage Tanks Using Carbon-Fiber Cloths

Abstract

Thermal characteristics of laboratory- and practical-scale latent heat thermal energy storage tanks are investigated experimentally and theoretically. Commercial paraffin wax as the thermal energy storage material is packed in the tanks. Cloths made of high conductive carbon fibers are installed in the tanks to enhance the heat transfer rate in the tanks. Experimental results show that the thermal characteristics of the tanks are improved with increasing volume fraction of carbon fibers. A numerical model is developed to predict the thermal characteristics of the tanks. Optimum volume fractions of carbon fibers added in the tanks is numerically discussed.