Thermosyphon ice storage using pillow-plate heat exchangers: Experimental investigation

DOI: 10.18462/iir.compr.2024.0653

Sekcia: Compressors and technologies

Stav prijatia: Nebol spracovaný

Autori

Abstrakt

Latent heat storage systems received attention in recent years especially since they benefit from high storage density. However, connecting them with the rest of the system is still a challenge since several components, including pump(s) are needed. The issue is that pumps require power and might add failure points to the system. To address this issue, this study experimentally investigated a storage unit which was connected to the evaporator of an AC unit with a thermosyphon loop. Ice/water was considered as the phase change material (PCM) while the refrigerant was R744 (carbon dioxide). Since the latter has high a operating pressure, pillow-plate heat exchangers were used in the storage system. Such heat exchangers benefit from manufacturing simplicity, are cost-effective and can withstand high pressures. Essentially, a two-phase thermosyphon loop was established for R744 to exchange heat between the storage unit and evaporator. The first experimental findings from the test unit are presented in this study.

Kľúčové slová

Phase change material, Latent heat storage, Ice storage, Two-phase thermosyphon, Pillow-plate heat exchanger, Carbon dioxide