Energy performance and economic viability of enhanced hybrid PCM thermal storages using aluminum foams for solar heating and cooling

Considerable advantages can be achieved in solar heating and cooling plants by improving the energy storage capabilities of hybrid water thermal energy storage by using phase change materials (PCMs). However, the most suitable materials find intrinsic limitations due to their poor heat transfer capabilities. This paper depicts the simulation work, based on experimental measurements, of enhanced hybrid sensible-latent water thermal energy storages using aluminum foams as heat transfer medium to improve the overall heat transfer of the PCM. The annual performance of a solar heating/cooling and ground source absorption heat pump plant in northern Italy are evaluated by Trnsys. The dynamic simulations allow to define the best configuration of the plant from both energy and economic point of view considering different cases: all three tanks modeled as sensible (water) storage, or one of the tanks modeled as PCM storage, or as enhanced PCM with metal foam.