Numerical Investigation of Packed Bed Thermal Energy Storage Systems with Prediction based Adjustment of the Heat Transfer Fluid Flow

This paper numerically investigates ad-hoc charging strategies for a Packed Bed Thermal Energy Storage System. We derive a mathematical model of the system, whose reliability is assessed through comparison with experimental measurements taken on a laboratory-scale prototype with the packed bed made of alumina particles and air being used as the heat transfer media. Then we show by numerical investigations that certain non-constant flow profiles, which are determined on the basis of a predictive mechanism, yield a more effective use of the considered sensible heat storage apparatus in comparison to the commonly adopted constant-flow charging/discharging process.