Numerical analysis of heat transfer processes in a low-cost, high-performance ice storage device for residential applications

An efficient numerical scheme to analyze the device is developed. This makes use of a hybrid analytical approach combined with a finite difference formulation that delivers an accurate solution at a very low computational cost. To simultaneously illustrate the use of the numerical scheme, and assess the concept, a device sized to provide the same energy and power characteristics of a well-known battery system is analyzed. The analysis shows that the thermal device can outperform the battery system, even before any optimization is implemented. A basic analysis also shows that the cost of a standalone device, including a dedicated compressor, heat rejection coil & fan, and evaporator, can be competitive with that of a battery. In the case that the storage device is integrated with a conventional refrigerated air conditioning system, the cost becomes very competitive.