CFD analysis of an air system for thermal storage with PCM

The research project focuses on the fluid-dynamic and thermal study and optimization of a Thermal Energy Storage (TES) system based on Phase Change Materials (PCM), using air as the heat transfer fluid. The objective is to develop and validate transient Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation models to analyze the charging (melting) and discharging (solidification) processes of the PCM. The study will evaluate different heat exchanger geometries and operating air parameters to overcome the low thermal conductivity limitation of PCMs, thereby maximizing heat transfer efficiency.