A Front Tracking Method Accelerated by Graphics Processing Units for Phase Change Modelling in Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage: A Comparison with Interface Capturing Methods

Abstract

Latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) has recently evolved into a promising approach for energy savings and pollution reduction. Phase change materials (PCMs) and the latent heat accompanying the phase change can be utilized to accumulate, store, are release the energy. Computer simulation tools are usually applied in the optimal design of LHTES devices as the simulations are fast, relatively easy to perform and not expensive. The paper presents a performance and accuracy comparison between a front tracking algorithm and well-known interface capturing methods – the enthalpy and apparent heat capacity methods. Acceleration by means of graphics processing unit (GPU) is used to enhance the computational efficiency of the presented front tracking algorithm. A container filled with a commercial PCM, which has been utilized in a numerous LHTES applications, is considered in the comparison. Simulation results are also compared to experimental data. The evaluation of results shows that the front tracking algorithm allows for a significantly higher accuracy than in case of interface capturing methods. The higher accuracy of simulation tools then contributes to a more accurate design of LHTES devices and allows for their higher performance and efficiency.