Application of Hybrid PCM Thermal Energy Storages with and without Al Foams in Solar Heating/Cooling and Ground Source Absorption Heat Pump Plant: An Energy and Economic Analysis

Applied Sciences

Marco Noro¹  Giulia Righetti¹  Simone Mancin¹  Renato Lazzarin¹ 

[1] Department of Management and Engineering, University of Padova, 36100 Vicenza, Italy;

关键词: hybrid thermal energy storage;    PCM;    metal foam;    solar thermal collector;    dual source heat pump;    ground source heat pump;    absorption heat pump;   

DOI  :  10.3390/app9051007

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

The use of phase change materials (PCM) can be considered an effective way to improve the energy storage capabilities of hybrid water thermal energy storage (TESs) in solar heating and cooling plants. However, due to a few shortcomings, their use is still limited. This paper aims to give a direct estimation of the considerable advantages achievable by means of these hybrid TESs by simulating the annual performance of an existing gymnasium building located in northern Italy. The solar heating/cooling and ground source absorption heat pump plant is simulated using Trnsys. A validated type allows for the simulation of the hybrid water TESs, and also includes the possibility to use aluminum foams to enhance the heat transfer capabilities of the paraffin waxes used as PCM. This paper presents an optimization of the plant design from both energy and economic points of view by considering different cases: all three tanks modeled as sensible (water) storage, or one of the tanks modeled as PCM storage, or as enhanced PCM with metal foam.

【 授权许可】

Unknown