Numerical analysis of a coupled solar collector latent heat storage unit using various phase change materials for heating the water

A theoretical model based an the energy equations was developed to predict the thermal behaviour and performance of a solar latent heat storage unit (LHSU) consisting of a series of identical tubes embedded in the phase change material (PCM). During charging mode, a heat transfer fluid (hot water) from the solar collector passes through the tubes and transfers the collecting heat of solar radiation to the PCM. The heat stored in the liquid PCM is next transferred to water during discharging mode to produce heating water. A simulation program based on the finite volume approach was also developed to numerically evaluate the thermal performance of the LHSU. The model was first validated by comparing the results of numerical simulations to the experimental data. A series of numerical simulations were conducted for three kinds of PCM (n-octadecane, Paraffin wax and Stearic acid) to find the optimum design for a given summer climatic conditions of Marrakech city: solar radiation and ambient temperature. Optimization of the LHSU involves determination of the mass of the PCM the number of tubes, and the flow rate water in solar collector that maximise the thermal storage efficiency. Several simulations were also made to study the effect of the flow rate water on its outlet temperature, during the discharging mode. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.