Experimental investigation and multi-objective optimization of ice thermal storage device with multichannel flat tube

A novel plate-shaped ice thermal storage device is constructed with multichannel flat tube. The different temperatures and flow rates of heat transfer fluid (HTF) on the variations in the internal temperature and the store/release power are experimentally investigated. Results indicate that the reduction in temperature of cold HTF from -3 degrees C to -4 degrees C is notably to shorten the super-cooling process, reduced the freezing time by 35.04% and increased the average storage power by 24.9%, its effect gradually weaken with decrease in temperature. Furthermore, numerical simulation and response surface method are adopted to gain predictive models of four response indices for estimating the behavior of the device in terms of five different design parameters, and the interaction effects of design parameters on responses are investigated. Finally, the multi-objective joint optimization is developed based on an efficient storage device with goals of excellent thermal performance and thermodynamic perfection, while its manufacturing cost is low. The optimization results recommend the fin height, number and thickness are 30.1 mm, 10, and 0.5 mm, respectively, temperature and flow rate of cold HTF are -4.01 degrees C and 0.2 m3/h, respectively, to maximize ice formation rate, exergy efficiency, and fin efficiency and minimize the metal consumption.

Automated summary

The effect of different temperatures and flow rates of heat transfer fluid on the performance of an ice thermal storage device was experimentally investigated. Results showed that reducing the temperature of the cold fluid shortened the super-cooling process, reduced freezing time, and increased storage power. Additionally, predictive models were developed using numerical simulation and response surface method to study the effects of design parameters on the device behavior.