Experimental study of a phase change material storage for low-temperature applications

Abstract

Thermal energy storage technologies are matter of intense research and discussion, in the broader framework of decoupling the "demand-side" and the "supply-side". This topic is of paramount importance to support the large-scale deployment of renewable energy-based technologies in the residential sector, to support the decarbonisation pathways. In this perspective, a promising solution concerns solar-assisted heat pumps. This paper contributes to the existing discussion by developing, building and testing a "pilot-scale" finned-and-tube phase change material storage for solar-assisted heat pumps applications (viz.,low temperature applications, in the range of 20 - 30 °C). The proposed storage unit is tested, under real boundary conditions and it is able to store 65 % higher thermal energy stored compared with an equivalent water storage unit.