Performance Characterization of Packed Bed Storage System

Modeling of packed-bed heat transfer can be a problem of immense complexity in some cases requiring the use of 3-D finite-element techniques to understand the dynamics of stratification and fluid-solid interaction during different modes of operation. The analytical solution to the packed bed heat transfer was identified in this study and a set of governing equations that economically and accurately characterize the dominant energy transfer mechanisms in a charging or discharging packed bed storage tank over long time periods that include multiple cycles were analyzed.