International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 13 Issue: 01 | Jan 2026
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
Thermal Behavior and Efficiency Assessment of Packed Bed Sensible Heat Storage Systems Pallavi Pandey1, Shiv Kumar2 1M.Tech (ME) Scholar, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Goel Institute of Technology & Management, Lucknow,
Uttar Pradesh, India
2 Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Goel Institute of Technology & Management, Lucknow,
Uttar Pradesh, India -----------------------------------------------------------------------***-----------------------------------------------------------------------simplicity, material availability, and ease of implementation. Abstract- Thermal Energy Storage (TES) systems play a
In sensible heat storage, energy is stored by raising the temperature of a storage medium without undergoing a phase change. Common sensible heat storage systems include water tanks, molten salt systems, concrete storage units, and packed bed thermal energy storage systems.
crucial role in enhancing the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of energy systems by mitigating the mismatch between energy supply and demand. Among various TES technologies, Packed Bed Thermal Energy Storage (PBTES) systems have gained significant attention due to their structural simplicity, low cost, mechanical robustness, and ability to operate over a wide range of temperatures. This study presents a comprehensive experimental investigation of the thermal performance of a packed bed thermal energy storage system using solid filler materials and air as the heat transfer fluid (HTF). The primary objective is to analyze the charging and discharging behavior, temperature stratification, heat transfer effectiveness, and overall thermal efficiency of the system under varying operating conditions.
Packed bed thermal energy storage systems utilize solid storage materials such as rocks, ceramic balls, bricks, or encapsulated phase change materials arranged in a packed configuration within an insulated container. A heat transfer fluid, typically air or oil, flows through the void spaces between the particles, exchanging heat with the solid medium. The large surface area available for heat transfer, combined with the low cost and durability of solid filler materials, makes packed bed systems particularly attractive for medium- and high-temperature applications.
Keywords: Packed bed thermal energy storage, Experimental analysis, Heat transfer, Thermal efficiency, Temperature stratification, Sustainable energy etc.
The operational principle of a packed bed TES system involves two main modes: charging and discharging. During the charging process, hot fluid enters the packed bed and transfers heat to the solid particles, gradually raising their temperature. During discharging, cooler fluid is passed through the bed, absorbing the stored heat from the solid medium and exiting at a higher temperature. The thermal performance of the system is governed by several parameters, including particle size, bed porosity, fluid mass flow rate, inlet temperature, thermal properties of the storage material, and system geometry.
1. INTRODUCTION The increasing global demand for energy, coupled with the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, has accelerated the development and deployment of renewable and sustainable energy technologies. However, a fundamental challenge associated with renewable energy sources such as solar and wind is their inherent intermittency and variability. Thermal Energy Storage (TES) systems have emerged as an effective solution to address this issue by storing excess thermal energy during periods of surplus generation and releasing it during periods of high demand. By decoupling energy generation from energy consumption, TES systems significantly enhance the flexibility, efficiency, and reliability of energy systems.
Despite their advantages, packed bed TES systems face several challenges, such as pressure drop across the bed, thermal losses to the surroundings, non-uniform temperature distribution, and limitations in heat transfer rates. Experimental investigations are therefore essential to understand the complex heat transfer mechanisms within the packed bed and to identify optimal operating conditions. Experimental data also serve as a benchmark for validating numerical models and enhancing system design.
Thermal energy storage technologies can be broadly classified into sensible heat storage, latent heat storage, and thermochemical storage. Among these, sensible heat storage systems are the most widely used due to their
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This research focuses on the experimental analysis of the thermal performance of a packed bed thermal energy
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