Novel scheme for a PCM-based cold energy storage system. Design, modelling, and simulation

This paper studies the design and dynamic modelling of a novel thermal energy storage (TES) system combined with a refrigeration system based on phase change materials (PCM). Cold-energy production supported by TES systems is a very appealing field of research, since it allows flexible cold-energy management, combining demand fulfilment with cost reduction strategies. The paper proposes and compares two different simulation models for a cold-energy storage system based on PCM. First, a continuous model is developed, the application of which is limited to decoupled charging/discharging operations. Given such conditions, it is a relatively precise model, useful for the tuning of the TES parameters. The second proposed model is a discrete one, which, despite implementing a discrete approximation of the system behaviour, allows to study more general conditions, such as series of partial charging/discharging operations. Simulation results of both models are compared regarding decoupled charging/discharging operations, and the ability of the discrete model to represent more realistic partial operations is analysed.