A cold thermal energy storage unit for CO2 refrigeration using phase change material: First experimental results

Abstract

Refrigeration demands in industrial food processing plants can vary significantly over a week, depending on the production schedules. As a result, it is common to experience peaks of electricity consumption due to the operation of the refrigeration equipment during the day. Integrating cold thermal energy storage (CTES) technology in the refrigeration system enables significant peak shaving, shifting the load from peak to offpeak hours. This paper presents the results obtained from an experimental study conducted on a novel platesin-tank CTES unit integrated into a pump-circulated CO2 refrigeration system at -5 °C for chilling of food. The unit consists of a stack of pillow-plates (PP) fitted in a stainless-steel container filled with an organic phase change material (melting point of -9 °C). The refrigerant circulates through the channels inside each PP and evaporates and condenses during the charging and discharging process, respectively. The storage capacity is tested, and the performance of the PP heat exchanger is evaluated.