Numerical analysis of a latent heat thermal energy storage system under partial load operating conditions

The effects of different heat transfer distributions and evolutions of the solid-liquid interface, are evaluated to identify the optimal management criteria of the TES systems. The results showed that partial load strategies allow to achieve a substantial reduction in the duration of the TES (up to 50%) process against a small decrease in stored energy (up 30%). The close correlation between the energy and the duration of the TES cycle is also evaluated during the discharge using detailed maps related to the melting fraction. These maps allow for the evaluation of the most efficient load conditions considering both charging and discharging processes to satisfy a specific energy demand.