Optimal design of packed bed for phase change material cool storage

Presents an optimal design method for PCM(phase change material) packed bed based on the heat transfer characteristics. With a new PCM as a cool storage medium, the total cost of the apparatus and the annual operating charge as the objective function, cool storage load, charging time and temperature of the cooling liquid as constrains, sets up an optimal model. Calculates the optimal parameters including the number, dimension of storage units and the temperature difference of heat transfer fluid under the lowest total cost of the apparatus and the annual operating cost in given cool storage load. Quantitively analyses the effect of the ratio of peak to off-peak electricity rates on the operating cost.