Heat transfer in heat storage arrangements under melting

Abstract

Heat storage arrangements (HSA) are devices containing a medium, which for appropriately prescribed outside energy source, may experience phase change processes and alternate between liquid and solid states. We present computational results that were obtained for HSAs of realistic form and size. The mathematical description of the model is given for two-dimensional heat conduction incorporating possible phase changes, when either melting or freezing occur. The numerical results are compared with the corresponding experiments for HSAs of different size and form. On the basis of the two-dimensional analysis it was then possible to construct a one-dimensional model with equivalent parameters and producing equivalent results. The investigation suggests to use the model for the design of energy-saving-heat-storage-battery systems.