Overview of numerical, experimental and parametric studies on the spherical container-based packed bed latent heat storage

Abstract

This comprehensive review discusses the recent advancements in packed bed latent heat storage (PBLHS) with spherical containers, a promising technology for storing thermal energy. The present review deals with the underlying principles of operation, design outline and further encompasses numerical modeling, experimental studies, and parametric studies of PBLHS with salient applications. Highlights on recent developments in PBLHS gleaned from closely related numerical and experimental studies, and its potential applications in the domain of solar thermal power plants, industrial processes and heating and cooling systems were explored. It is inferred that the thermal performance of PBLHS improves with a reduction in the size of the spherical container. The presence of more bed voids and the higher heat capacity of spherical containers contribute to enhancing the thermal performance of the PBLHS. Notably, the three-layer PBLHS with multiple phase change materials outperform single and two-layer configurations in overall thermal efficiency. The study helps to understand the numerical procedure to be carried out in designing a PBLHS and provides a comprehensive and contemporary resource for researchers and practitioners in the design and optimization of PBLHS systems.