Incorporation of Numerical Analysis for Improving the Performance of a Condenser Unit in an Air Condition by Employment of Phase Change Material as a Latent Heat Storage Medium

Abstract

In this study, mathematical models based on equations for air conditioning condenser units will be improved and numerically solved using phase change materials for heat dissipation capacity. The acquired findings are utilised to analyse the thermal performance of both charging and discharging processes. The effects of the temperature of the inlet heat transfer fluid, mass flow rate and phase change temperature range on the thermal performance have been studied. As a result of the findings, the phase change temperature range of the PCM must be correctly recognised and taken into account while modelling the system's performance. The current study suggests an unique hybrid space-conditioning system that combines PCMs and employs surfaces as sources of heating or cooling to improve temperature distribution and comfort while using less energy. The concept is to employ PCM to deliver cool air to discharge or dissipate heat, hence overcoming the majority of the drawbacks of both techniques. However, the PCM simulation results demonstrate that adding thermal inertia to the system improves heat transfer from the condenser and allows for a greater condensing temperature, increasing the system's energy efficiency. The energy stored in the PCM is transferred to the air conditioning cell for the primary goal of improving performance, cooling time period, storage capacity, and maintaining a steady cooling effect for longer periods of time during power outages when phase change material is used.