Numerical Research on the Performance of a Phase Change Heat Storage Electric Heating Module

Abstract

A kind of phase change heat storage electric heating modules filled with the composite PCM was designed and fabricated in this paper. The thermal performance of the module was studied through the experiments, and the thermal performance influencing factors were studied using the FLUENT software. Simulation results indicated that the optimal thermal conductivity of the PCM should be between 3 W/(m·K) and 5W/(m·K). With the designed arrangement of the heating wire, the optimal electric heating power should be between 9.00W/m and 9.85W/m, and the corresponding adjustments should be made according to the local electricity price policy. When the electric heating power is 9.85W/m and the thermal conductivity is 4W/(m·K), the distance between the heating wire should be between 40mm and 45mm, which can ensure the high heat-storage efficiency and heating continuity. In general, the internal temperature of the module is relatively uniform and can maintain stable heat dissipation within the effective heating range for a long time. The temperature fluctuation of the module heat dissipating surface is small. The module has good thermal performance and can meet the heating requirements when being applied to electric radiant heating in the building.