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Optimization of a cold thermal energy storage system with micro heat pipe arrays by statistical approach: Taguchi method and response surface method

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  • Liu, Zichu
  • Quan, Zhenhua
  • Zhao, Yaohua
  • Zhang, Wanlin
  • Yang, Mingguang
  • Chang, Zejian

Abstract

Cold thermal energy storage (CTES) technology is one of effective ways to utilize renewable energy and shift peak power load. In this paper, a novel CTES device using micro heat pipe arrays is numerically studied and optimized. Firstly, the Taguchi method is adopted to quantitatively analyze the contribution ratio (CR) of fin parameters to solidification and melting time, as well as compactness factor. Fin height has the highest CR of approximately 70 % for solidification and melting time, while fin thickness with the highest CR of 58.88 % for the compactness factor. Then, the response surface method is used to uncover the interactive effects of fin parameters and operation parameters. Next, multi-criteria optimization is performed by minimizing solidification time and heat exchange temperature difference, and maximizing the compactness factor. Compared with the original structure, the solidification time of optimized structure is reduced by 26.59 % with small heat exchange temperature difference of 4 °C and great compactness factor of 0.8219. Additionally, the phase change front of the original and the optimized CTES device are compared and analyzed to further reveal the reason for the performance improvement of the device. The research results provide inspiration and data support for the practical application of CTES.

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  • Liu, Zichu & Quan, Zhenhua & Zhao, Yaohua & Zhang, Wanlin & Yang, Mingguang & Chang, Zejian, 2025. "Optimization of a cold thermal energy storage system with micro heat pipe arrays by statistical approach: Taguchi method and response surface method," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 238(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:238:y:2025:i:c:s0960148124019670
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2024.121899
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    References listed on IDEAS

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