Research on the influence of heat retention capability of phase change energy storage tank based on different packaging structures

Abstract To explore the influence of different packaging structures on the thermal storage efficacy of phase change energy storage systems, the cylindrical, wedge-shaped, conical, and oval packaging structures of these tanks were studied by combining experimental verification and simulation. The differences in each tank’s heat storage time, temperature distribution, and heat storage were analyzed. The results show that the different packaging structures will have a certain impact on the thermal retention capability of the water tank. In the heat storage procedure, the wedge-shaped unit tank finishes the process first, reducing storage time by 7% compared to the cylindrical unit tank. In the latter stages of heat storage, both the liquid phase fraction and the temperature variations in the elliptical unit tank demonstrate an increased rate of change, indicating its enhanced heat retention capability over time. In contrast, the conical unit water tank exhibits a greater temperature disparity in the phase change material, with a notable difference of 12.6°C, largely due to its structural design. Meanwhile, the cylindrical unit tank boasts the highest heat storage capacity, measuring a substantial 81.69 MJ.