Numerical study of heat and mass flow in layered heat storage

An analysis of argon gas flow in exemplary configuration of layered bed thermal energy storage is presented. The analysis incorporates URANS model with conjugate heat transfer between gas and solid storage core. The aim of this analysis was to identify key factors limiting exergy efficiency of this storage type and determine some details about storage transient behaviour. Three full cycles of storage loading and unloading having 17 hours physical time in total are simulated, with calculation of exergetic efficiency for each of the cycles. Conclusions regarding this storage type feasibility for indirect power storage in pumped heat systems are made.