Work

Experimental validation of flow regulation in an innovative adsorption chiller with epcm thermal energy storage

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: PCM thermal storage tank of 1.1×10 −2 m 3 with 10 kg of paraffin in cylindrical aluminium capsules was experimentally tested and validated with the three-dimensional simulation carried out in ANSYS software. The insight was to evaluate the feasibility of integrating EPCM thermal energy storage-driven adsorption heat and mass recovery chiller during distrust time of solar collector. Using 50 L of water during charging and discharging time of one hour, results showed that hot water increased PCM temperature inside the tank to 65.8 ℃, 68.8 ℃, 77.3 ℃, and 79.5 ℃, respectively on the first, second, third, and fourth day, with an average energy received of 9.1×10 3 W and a storage capacity of 3.42×10 6 J. Nevertheless, after 30 min of charging phase with an input HTF temperature of 77.2 ℃, PCM temperature was found to be 55.3 ℃, enabling effective phase change transition. Likewise, during one hour of discharging phase, cooling water decreased PCM temperature inside the tank to 33.8 ℃, 36.6 ℃, 38.4 ℃, and 38.8 ℃, respectively on the first, second, third, and fourth day, with an average initial PCM temperature of 70 ℃. Notably, a discharging temperature of water above 30 ℃ provided considerable discharging temperature after 30 min around 50 ℃. This was attributed to the low thermal conductivity of paraffin wax, limiting the phase change transition during discharging phase. A comparative analysis between simulated and experimental results revealed an average absolute error of 17 % and a relative error of 27 %, highlighting the need for further refinement in simulation parameters to accurately replicate experimental conditions. This work presents a novel integration of EPCM thermal storage and adsorption cooling technologies, contributing valuable insights toward enhanced thermal management systems under intermittent solar availability.

Source: Results in Engineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.rineng.2025.106706

Authors: Onyekwere Ojike, Tagne Takote Brice Clausel, Cosmas Anyanwu, Mkpamdi Eke, Fidelis Abam

Institutions: University of Nigeria, University of Calabar

Language: English

Topic: Phase Change Materials Research

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Climate action

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,940