Simulation of a latent heat thermal energy storage for the solar air-conditioning system of a net-zero energy hotel

摘要

Hotels consume a large amount of energy for air-conditioning, especially in hot regions of the world. In the context of climate change, improvements can be made using the concept of net-zero energy (NZE) buildings. Renewable energy enables to satisfy this objective. In this article, a literature review justifies the use of a solar photovoltaic air-conditioning (PV AC) system coupled to a latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES). The LHTES uses fatty acids derived from coconut oil embedded in a compressed expanded matrix to enhance the apparent thermal conductivity of the composite up to 20 W.m~(-1).K~(-1). A simple simulation tool was developed to evaluate the melting time, in different configurations of LHTES for assisting design engineers. PCM in shell-and-tube configuration (tube spacing of 20 cm, tube diameter of 60 mm), slab-like configuration (thickness of 24 mm) and beam-like configuration (edge length of 39 mm melt in less than 6 hours. This study shows the possibility of storing cooling energy in a large LHTES.