Energy Storage Characteristics in Fixed Beds;Part 1. Charging Mode

In the present work, the numerical model was refined to predict the thermal analysis of energy storage in a fixed beds during charging mode. The governing energy equations of both fluid and the solid particles along with their initial and boundary conditions are derived using a two-phase, one dimensional model. The refined model is carried out by taking into account change of (air density , air specific heat) with air temperature and also by taking into considerations heat losses from bed to surrounding. Finite difference method was used to obtain solution of two governing energy equations of both fluid and solid particles through a computer program especially constructed for this purpose. The temperature field for the air and the solid are obtained, also energy stored inside the bed is computed. A comparison between refined model and non refined model is done. Finally using refined model the effect of bed material (Glass, Fine clay ,and aluminum ), and air flow rate per unit area Ga (0.3, 0.4, and 0.5 kg/$m^2$-s) on energy storage characteristics was studied.