This paper presents an exergetic analysis of the charge process in energy storage using multiple phase-change materials (PCMs). Thermal storage using two, three, five, as well as an infinite number of PCMs is analyzed with a distributed model for the heat transfer fluid. Analytical results show the relative merits of using multiple PCMs compared with a single PCM for thermal energy storage. Sample results are presented and discussed.

Issue Section:
Research Papers
Topics:
Energy storage, Phase change materials, Thermal energy storage, Fluids, Heat transfer
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