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Numerical study for the design of a thermal energy storage system with multiple tunnels based on phase change material: Case Study Mining in Chile
  • Suleivys M. Nuñez,
  • Felipe E. Trujillo Preuss,
  • Yunesky Macia
Suleivys M. Nuñez
Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Felipe E. Trujillo Preuss
Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso
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Yunesky Macia
Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Valparaiso
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Abstract

This paper presents a numerical model for the design, development, and feasibility of thermal energy storage systems. The energy storage was composed of a tank that stores phase change material and internal pipes with heat transfer fluid, coupled to a power block to dispatch electrical energy on a small scale for off-grid industrial applications. Subsequently, the evolution of the temperature in charge/discharge cycles, temperature degradation, and storage efficiency was determined with the appropriate magnitudes and behavior through the resolution of a numerical model. In addition, the proposed energy production plant that connects the system to was implemented in an industrial application for Chile. A numerical model was developed using the finite volumes method to simulate the thermocline performance. As a result, the temperature history reflects stable thermal behavior, low degradation, and high efficiency of approximately 92%, with a storage time increasing up to 13 [hrs] and 384.8 [kWh] capacity. Also, implementation was feasible on a small scale due to its compact, modular, and economically competitive characteristics in Concentrated Solar Power. Finally, the proposed design was proven to be an accurate and reliable alternative for small-scale off-grid mining applications.