The Thermal Analysis of a Sensible Heat Thermal Energy Storage System Using Circular-Shaped Slag and Concrete for Medium- to High-Temperature Applications

Thermal energy storage (TES) system is a technique that stores thermal energy in a storage medium for later use to balance demand and supply in industrial operations. In this study, a sensible thermal energy storage tank composed of concrete block and heat transfer fluid (HTF) passages is proposed. Slag and concrete particles are introduced to analyze the performance of the TES system. A comprehensive numerical model is developed using an energy balance approach combined with an enthalpy-based methodology. The temperature distribution is presented at different time intervals during the charging and discharging cycle of TESS. In comparison with a slag-filled TES tank, the concrete-filled TES tank charged and discharged quickly. The findings reveal that a TES tank filled with concrete is more efficient than a TES tank filled with slag.