Two figures of merit for hybrid Thermal Energy Storage (TES) units are developed: the volumetric figure of merit, V˜, and the temperature control figure of merit, ΔT˜. A dimensional analysis shows that these quantities are related to the performance specification of the storage unit and its physical design. A previously benchmarked semi-empirical finite volume model is used to study the characteristics of various plate-type TES-unit designs. A parametric study is used to create a database of optimal designs, which is then used to form simple correlations of V˜ and ΔT˜ in terms of design requirements and attributes. A preliminary design procedure utilizing these figures of merit is suggested. Sample calculations show that these correlations can be used to quickly determine the design attributes of a plate-type TES-unit, given design requirements.

Issue Section:
Technical Papers
Keywords:
thermal energy storage, finite volume methods, product design, correlation methods
Topics:
Design, Heat, Metals, Storage, Thermal energy storage, Temperature
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