Parametric analysis of a PCM energy storage system

Abstract

Heat storage systems using phase change materials (PCMs in the following) are an effective way of storing thermal energy due to the high energy storage density and the isothermal nature of the storage process. In recent years the utilization of PCMs has been also considered in the thermal control of compact electronic devices. In the present work a parametric analysis is presented for an energy storage system with a phase change material, undergoing a heat flow boundary condition, as happens in the electronic equipment cooling. In particular we analyze a hybrid systems composed of a finned surfaces partially filled with PCM. This solution which combine both passive (PCM) and active (fins and fans) cooling solutions, seems to be of interest in high power amplifiers characterized by different levels of power dissipation. This is the case of the telecom base station power amplifiers, where the power is proportional to the traffic load. The results are obtained with a specific finite volumes code. The mathematical model is made dimensionless to allow the characteristic parameters to be evidenced. The proposed parameterization lends generality to the results obtained. In particular the relationships have been investigated between the melting point of the PCM and the operating temperature reached during the peak of the input power. The study provides useful information for the design of these passive cooling systems.