Application of entransy dissipation theory in optimization of latent heat storage process

In order to enhance the performance of latent heat storage (LHS) process, the effects of PCM melting temperature on thermal energy storage rate, entransy dissipation rate and storage heat quality were analyzed based on the entransy dissipation theory. For the single PCM, the results show that the lower PCM melting temperature can enhance heat transfer rate. At the same time, it results in the higher entransy dissipation rate and lower storage heat quality. The results validate that the entransy dissipation principle is suitable for LHS process optimization. For the two-stage PCMs, the results show that the heat storage rate is higher and the entransy dissipation rate is lower than those for single PCM, with reasonably matching the PCMs melting temperature. In conclusion, using multistage PCMs can enhance the LHS rate and reduce the irreversibility.