Transient response of solid sensible heat thermal storage units - Single fluid

The transient response of a solid sensible heat storage unit which receives or supplies heat to a single flowing fluid is presented. The storage unit is composed of a number of rectangular cross-sectional channels for the flowing fluid, connected in parallel and separated by the heat storage material. The energy equation for the fluid and the transient conduction equation for the storage material are solved using finite difference techniques. The parameters which characterize the transient behavior of these units are identified. Results suitable for the prediction of the rate of heat storage and the outlet temperature of the fluid leaving the storage unit are presented as functions of the identified nondimensional parameters.