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Stable power generation from fluctuating cold energy enabled by PCM-packed bed

Author

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  • Li, Deming
  • Mao, Changjun
  • Bai, Jian
  • Chen, Yongping

Abstract

The efficiency and stability of cold energy utilization systems are significantly affected by fluctuations in the regasification rate of liquefied natural gas (LNG).To address this, phase change material (PCM)-packed beds are integrated into an LNG cold energy power generation system, and a dynamic model coupling the PCM-packed bed with an organic Rankine cycle (ORC) module is developed. The influence of melting temperature on thermal storage and release performance is analyzed, based on which a tiered PCM configuration scheme is proposed. Full-cycle simulations under a typical daily regasification profile are conducted on the ORC system integrated with the tiered PCM-packed bed to evaluate its adaptability. The results indicate that the triple-PCM configuration significantly enhances system stability, enabling the ORC module to maintain continuous power output for 24 h under fluctuating regasification conditions, compared to only 22.25 h for the solid particle packed bed. Moreover, the tiered configuration of PCM-peaked beds significantly improves latent heat utilization, with the dual-PCM achieving 80% and the triple-PCM achieving complete utilization. This study offers a scalable and effective solution to enhance the flexibility and adaptability of systems utilizing LNG cold energy.

Suggested Citation

  • Li, Deming & Mao, Changjun & Bai, Jian & Chen, Yongping, 2025. "Stable power generation from fluctuating cold energy enabled by PCM-packed bed," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 340(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:340:y:2025:i:c:s0360544225049497
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.139307
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    References listed on IDEAS

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