Thermo-Economic Assessments on a Heat Storage Tank Filled with Graded Metal Foam

To save and better deploy waste heat, the use of a mobilized heat storage system (MHSS) with phase change enhancement means is developed. In this paper, three kinds gradient structures (positive gradient, negative non-gradient) are designed in MHSS system. The uniform porosity 94% non-gradient structure, porosities 86%, 93%, 98% respectively. Numerical models developed to explore contribution graded metal foam structure release process. An economic analysis comparison systems different transfer carried out. results show that positive case can promote thermal cycle melting solidification process, while inhibits cycle. reduce time by 9.7% 4.4%, prolong 31.4% 35.9%. Although increases initial investment 76.09%, 1 KW·h cost reduced 10.63% compared pure material (PCM). It cost-effective long run cycles.