Numerical Investigation of a Phase Change Material Including Natural Convection Effects

Nowadays, Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) is one of the most promising technologies analyzed for electrical power generation from low-temperature heat such as renewable energy sources (RES), especially solar energy. Because source variation throughout day, additional Thermal Energy Storage (TES) systems can be employed to store surplus saved during daytime, in order use it at nighttime or when meteorological conditions are adverse. In this context, latent stored phase-change transition by Phase Change Materials (PCM) allows them stock larger amounts because values compared specific capacity. study, a thermal analysis square PCM ORC carried out, considering four different boundary that refer situations. Furthermore, differences including not natural convection effects model shown. Governing equations written with references capacity method and solved finite element scheme. Experimental data literature simulate using time-variable temperature condition. Results presented terms profiles, energy, velocity fields melting fraction, showing remarkable on consequently achieved.