Analysis of a cold store with phase change material

Abstract

Thermal energy storage systems provide the potential to attain energy savings and reduce the environmental impact related to energy use. In this respect, phase change materials (PCMs) work as ‘‘latent heat storage units’’ which store or release large amounts of thermal energy. The aim of the presented study is to investigate the function of PCM on on/off periods of the compressor and the required time to reach operation temperature from start. The indoor temperature, relative humidity, air flow speed, PCM temperature in the macrocapsules and ambient temperature are recorded. are the continuously monitored parameters in this research. The results indicate that PCM load covering 71% of the total heat transfer surface area provides significant decrease in on/off periods of the compressor. Although the time required to reach operating temperature is longer in the starup, the energy consumption of the store is lower as a result of 20.73% shorter compressor on time during continous operation.