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Experimental and numerical investigation on heating performance comparison of air conditioning heating systems based on water-phase change material heat storage system and water heat storage system

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  • Hu, Biao
  • Wang, Hui
  • Yang, Jinxin
  • Li, Jiachen
  • Li, Chunwang
  • Ren, Xiaogeng

Abstract

In recent years, researchers have increasingly focused on salt hydrate phase change materials(PCMs) as preferred heat storage materials for valley electric building heating and solar hot water applications. In this work, sodium acetate trihydrate was selected as the latent heat storage medium, while water served as the sensible heat storage medium in a water-PCM heat storage system. The phase transition properties of the selected PCM were characterized and the heating performance of the system was investigated under various testing conditions including different heat storage medium, with or without pipe insulation and varying water supply direction. The results indicate that the phase transition temperature of the selected PCM ranges from 56.20 °C to 64.61 °C, with a latent heat of 256.18 kJ kg−1. A comparison analysis between the pure water heat storage system (sensible heat storage system) and the water-PCM heat storage system reveals that the latter exhibits superior heat storage performance and a longer heating duration can be achieved within the same volume. Numerical simulations further suggest that the selected PCM could be completely melted within 380 min. Both experimental and numerical findings highlight the significant potential of salt hydrates for heat energy storage in building heating applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Hu, Biao & Wang, Hui & Yang, Jinxin & Li, Jiachen & Li, Chunwang & Ren, Xiaogeng, 2025. "Experimental and numerical investigation on heating performance comparison of air conditioning heating systems based on water-phase change material heat storage system and water heat storage system," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 331(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:331:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225026477
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.137005
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Huang, Xinyu & Li, Muzhi & Li, Yuanji & Yang, Xiaohu & He, Ya-Ling, 2026. "Current progress in energy utilization of building systems combining solar thermal and heat storage technologies," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 226(PC).

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