Modelling and Experimental Characterization of Ice Storage for State of Charge Determination

The present surge in the popularity of ice storage applications has prompted research communities to dedicate efforts to the development of adequate and precise control strategies. Nevertheless, determining the state of charge (SoC) of the ice storage systems continues to present a considerable challenge. This publication explores the validity of determining the SoC of water-based latent heat storage employing capacitive sensors by taking advantage of the significant permittivity difference of liquid and solid phases. It does so by comparing the results of latter sensor with the simulation results of modelled storage. The innovative configuration of the heat exchanger exhibits a resemblance to a stainless-steel spiral coil and combines both plate and tube types. A series of measurements were conducted to collect data on the storage system’s operational modes as part of the scope of this work. The experimental results of the capacitive SoC were then compared to those from the simulation model. The model is based on a one-dimensional energy balance using temperature dependent fluid properties for the calculation of the SoC of the ice storage. Preliminary validation results indicated a substantial agreement between the two sets, therefore enabling the formulation of further recommendation for operation of the ice storage system.