Thermal Performance Enhancement of Triplex Tube Heat Storage Using Metal Foam

Abstract

Latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) systems are essential for storing solar energy during sunshine and using it during the absence of solar radiation. The energy storage systems of phase-change materials (PCMs) possess comparatively low thermal conductivity values, which greatly decrease their performance. Significant thermal enhancement of PCM behaviour could be achieved adding a porous metal foam. In this work, experimental analysis was conducted on a vertical LHTES with PCM by using water as a heat transfer fluid (HTF). The effect of adding a porous metal foam on the charging process was investigated. Experimental observations showed the foamed TTHX had a superior melting rate over the non-foamed TTHX. For both TTHX configurations, the needed time for the charging process decreased with the addition of porous metal foam. The effect of Cu foam was significant for the foamed TTHX. The reduction in the whole melting time for the foamed and non-foamed TTHX was 43% for the same HTF temperature of 69 °C.