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Experimental investigation of the use of latent heat storage unit in an air conditioning system: Full-Cycle Behavior of Duct-Integrated PCM Plates.

Author(s) : TALU F., MERT M. S., MERT H. H.

Type of article: IJR article

Summary

Energy storage plays an important role in modern energy system design, and the use of innovative storage technologies has grown significantly in recent years. Latent heat storage (LHS) using phase change materials (PCMs) is among the promising energy storage options. This study experimentally investigates an air conditioning system with an LHS unit by analyzing the full-cycle thermal behavior of duct-integrated PCM plates to evaluate their effectiveness in shifting cooling load and improving system performance. For this purpose, macroencapsulated paraffin-based PCMs were integrated directly into the air duct, enabling the storage of thermal
energy during periods of low cooling demand and release during peak conditions. Experiments were conducted to examine the charging and discharging processes, temperature distribution, and thermal response of the PCM plates under different operating conditions. Tests were performed with two inter-plate spacings (10 and 20 mm) under operation-representative inlet conditions: 9-11-13 ◦C during charging at 1.5-2-2.5 m/s and 32-34-38 ◦C during discharging. The results demonstrate that duct-integrated PCM system effectively absorbs excess thermal energy during charging and releases it during discharging, contributing to peak load shifting and improved thermal regulation. Consequently, the study establishes key design considerations for duct-integrated PCM
systems, emphasizing that narrower air gaps, optimized plate arrangement, and precise control of inlet conditions collectively yield faster thermal response and higher energy storage efficiency. Furthermore, the integration of PCM plates into the air duct provides a compact and practical solution without requiring significant modifications to existing HVAC systems.

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Details

  • Original title: Experimental investigation of the use of latent heat storage unit in an air conditioning system: Full-Cycle Behavior of Duct-Integrated PCM Plates.
  • Record ID : 30035303
  • Languages: English
  • Subject: Technology
  • Source: International Journal of Refrigeration - Revue Internationale du Froid - vol. 190
  • Publication date: 2026/10
  • DOI: http://dx.doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrefrig.2026.107052

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