Research on Solar Energy Storage Subsystems Utilizing the Latent Heat of Phase Change of Paraffin Hydrocarbons for the Heating and Cooling of Building.

摘要

An analytical and experimental research program designed to assess the potential of a solar energy storage subsystem (thermal capacitor) using the latent heat of fusion of paraffin hydrocarbons for the heating and cooling of buildings,is described. An idealized model of a flat plate thermal capacitor based on uniaxial heat conduction with a change of phase and an absence of natural convection in the phase change material is assumed. An analysis of the model using the asymptotic expansion and Goodman techniques for the melting (freezing) process is conducted. The analyses are used to generate data concerning the variation with time of the capacitor fluid outlet temperature and internal temperature distribution for various capacitor inlet temperatures,mass flow rates,latent heats of fusion,effective thermal conductivities and capacitor sizes. An experimental system consisting of a prototype thermal capacitor,fluid flow control unit and hydraulic system for the generation of performance data is described.