Al-12%Si相变合金储放热过程的数值模拟

Numerical Simulation of Charging and Discharging Processes in Al-12%Si Phase Change Thermal Energy Storage Systems

  • 摘要: 为提升聚光太阳能热发电(CSP)系统的能量利用效率,提出一种基于Al-12%Si合金的集热-储热一体化相变储热系统,实现相变材料(PCM)在同时储热和放热(SCD)工况下的高效热管理。针对现有研究多忽略轴向传热及低导热PCM传热受限的问题,设计大高径比(H/D≈2.22)管式储热单元,采用超临界CO2作为冷源,外部辐射作为热源,对Al-12%Si在初始凝固态下的SCD相变过程进行了数值模拟。通过分析固-液分布、温度场与速度场的演化规律,揭示不同热流密度下相变行为的动态响应机制。PCM在SCD工况下的热传递机制经历3个阶段:初始阶段以高导热固态材料的径向热传导为主;固-液共存阶段自然对流逐渐增强,传热机制由热传导向对流过渡;完全熔化后形成稳定的逆时针自然对流大循环,显著提升传热效率。热流密度对自然对流大循环的形成具有关键影响,高热流密度下浮力足以克服大高径比带来的流动阻力,促进自然对流发展;低热流密度(20 kW/m2)时浮力较弱,系统趋于固液共存稳态。场协同理论分析显示,高热流密度SCD工况下协同角分布呈“右侧储热左侧放热”的对称特征,场协同性能达到最优。大高径比设计有效延长自然对流路径,增强速度场与温度场匹配,显著提升整体热性能。该研究为高温PCM在CSP系统中的集成应用及储热单元结构优化提供理论依据和工程参考。

     

    Abstract: To enhance the energy utilization efficiency of concentrated solar power (CSP) systems, an integrated solar collector and thermal energy storage system based on Al-12%Si alloy is proposed to enable efficient heat transfer of phase change materials (PCMs) under simultaneous charging and discharging (SCD) conditions. To address limitations in previous studies, such as neglecting axial heat transfer and the low thermal conductivity of PCMs, a tubular latent heat storage unit with a large aspect ratio (H/D≈2.22) is designed, employing external radiation as the heat source and supercritical CO2 as the cold source. Numerical simulations investigate the SCD phase change process of Al-12%Si starting from a fully solidified state. Analysis of solid-liquid distribution, temperature fields, and velocity fields reveals dynamic response mechanisms under varying heat fluxes. The melting process exhibits three distinct stages: an initial conduction-dominated phase driven by the high thermal conductivity of the solid PCM; a transitional phase characterized by strengthening natural convection and a shift from conduction to convection heat transfer; and a final phase where a stable, counterclockwise natural convection loop forms, significantly enhancing heat transfer efficiency. Heat flux critically influences the development of this large-scale convection: high heat flux generates sufficient buoyancy to overcome flow resistance in the high-aspect-ratio channel, promoting fully developed convection; low heat flux (20 kW/m2) results in insufficient buoyancy, stabilizing the system in a solid-liquid coexistence state. Field synergy analysis indicates that under high heat flux, the synergy angle distribution displays a symmetric "right-storage, left-discharge" pattern, achieving optimal synergy efficiency. The large aspect ratio structure effectively extends the natural convection path, improving alignment between velocity and temperature gradient fields and significantly enhancing overall thermal performance. The findings provide theoretical support and engineering guidance for integrating high-temperature PCMs in CSP systems and optimizing thermal storage unit designs.

     

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