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Experimental investigation and performance evaluation of direct contact phase change packed bed heat exchanger based on shape-stable phase change thermal storage unit

Author

Listed:
  • Wei, Hanze
  • Wei, Ziqing
  • Zhu, Hanbao
  • Zheng, Chunyuan
  • Li, Bin
  • Zhao, Bingchen
  • Zhai, Xiaoqiang

Abstract

Sustained growth of renewable energy penetration rate entails the support of higher efficiency energy storage facilities. Phase change heat exchanger is a widely deployed thermal storage equipment. However, conventional designs employing metal heat transfer structure to separate Phase Change Material (PCM) from Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF). This structure not only compromises overall thermal efficiency but also increases manufacturing cost. In this research, the Phase Change Thermal Storage Unit (PCTSU) is fabricated, which possesses waterproof and excellent thermal storage properties. On the basis of PCTSU, the Direct Contact Packed Bed Heat Exchanger (DCPBHx) test set was established and experimental analysis was carried out. Results demonstrated that the thermal storage capacity for the DCPBHx reaches 175.63 kJ/L. Inspiringly, the average charging rate is likely to be 267.73 W/L due to the direct contact feature. The economic feasibility is also analyzed by comparing it with a commercialized phase change heat exchanger under the same thermal storage volume. The manufacturing cost is reduced by 47.26 % for the efforts of omitting metal heat transfer structure. This innovative DCPBHx exhibits significant potential for large-scale applications and provides a promising design approach for developing high-efficiency phase change thermal storage systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Wei, Hanze & Wei, Ziqing & Zhu, Hanbao & Zheng, Chunyuan & Li, Bin & Zhao, Bingchen & Zhai, Xiaoqiang, 2026. "Experimental investigation and performance evaluation of direct contact phase change packed bed heat exchanger based on shape-stable phase change thermal storage unit," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 257(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:257:y:2026:i:c:s0960148125024243
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2025.124760
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    References listed on IDEAS

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