Numerical Analysis of PCM Packed Bed Heat Storage Coupled with Transpired Solar Collector

Transpired solar collectors (TSC) represent low-cost energy efficient technologies used for heating air in ventilation purposes for buildings, industrial and agricultural applications. The excess energy from the sun generated during daytime can be stored in phase change materials (PCM) and could lead to improvement of the efficiency of the TSC. The study presents a numerical model developed for the purpose of evaluating the thermal behaviour of PCM packed beds charged using TSC. The mathematical model demonstrated good accuracy, when validated based on experimental data provided by the literature. The impact of three different paraffin waxes on the outlet air temperature of a TSC system and on the charging and discharging behaviour was numerically analysed. The numerical study revealed that slight phase change temperature changes, impact the air outlet temperatures significantly.