CFD analysis of heat storage and recovery from geothermal water exiting the space heating radiator using phase change material
Geothermal energy has been widely adopted as an environmentally friendly natural energy resource for electricity generation and direct use applications. Efficient way of utilizing geothermal energy, mainly low enthalpy geothermal fluid, involves cascaded utilization of the hot water for direct use applications. The most important direct usage application is that of space heating. A significant energy loss is however, bound to occur while using geothermal water for space heating due to fluid exiting the room radiators at a considerable high temperature, especially during peak heat load hours. Heat storage and recovery process using phase change materials can provide an effective way to overcome this energy wastage. The purpose of this study is to estimate the performance of phase change materials for heat storage and recovery from geothermal fluid exiting the space heating radiator. The present research focuses on Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) analysis of the heat storage and recovery process. The present work uses a CFD tool (Ansys Fluent) for simulating heat transfer from the hot water flow, phase change during melting and solidification process and heat recovery from the phase change material to the surrounding. Simulation results shows application of phase change material as an effective way of heat storage and recovery thus improving the thermal efficiency of space heating using geothermal energy.
Orkuverkfræði, Meistaraprófsritgerðir, Jarðhiti, Raforkuframleiðsla, Upphitun húsa, Sustainable energy engineering, Geothermal energy, Electric power, Heating
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