Development of Cellular Cast Structures for Improving Heat Transfer in Thermal Energy Storage Systems

Authors

  • K. Naplocha Wroclaw University of Science and Technolog y, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Lightweight Elements Engineering , Foundry, and Automation , 27 Wybrzeze Wyspianskiego Str., 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0667-6645
  • J. Grzęda Wroclaw University of Science and Technolog y, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Lightweight Elements Engineering , Foundry, and Automation , 27 Wybrzeze Wyspianskiego Str., 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4493-1977
  • O. Trzaska Wroclaw University of Science and Technolog y, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Lightweight Elements Engineering , Foundry, and Automation , 27 Wybrzeze Wyspianskiego Str., 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4605-4250
  • N. M. Raźny https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0062-8338
  • A. Dmitruk Wroclaw University of Science and Technolog y, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Lightweight Elements Engineering , Foundry, and Automation , 27 Wybrzeze Wyspianskiego Str., 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8450-2088

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.24425/amm.2024.150913

Abstract

For improving heat transfer in the thermal energy storage system (TES), cast aluminum cellular structures were designed, optimized, and produced by investment casting. The pattern was 3D printed from polylactide (PLA) polymer and then subjected to molding and heat treatment. Selected casting parameters, i.e. temperature of the mold and poured metal, as well as low pressure (vacuum), allowed to production of a complex, thin-walled casting. To evaluate the effectiveness of the structures (enhancers), a lab-scale heat accumulator was constructed and filled with phase change material (PCM) composed of KNO3 and NaNO3 salts. Thermal cycling, including charging and discharging of the accumulator, was analyzed and compared between systems with pure PCM bed and the one equipped with the produced enhancer. To protect aluminum casting against corrosion with molten salts, nickel plating was applied. Process parameters, such as plating process time and nickel subcoating application time, were determined. Microscopic observations confirmed high-quality, continuous coating on aluminum casting surfaces with characteristic microgrooves remaining after the printed pattern.

Published

2024-09-24

How to Cite

Naplocha, K., et al. “Development of Cellular Cast Structures for Improving Heat Transfer in Thermal Energy Storage Systems”. Archives of Metallurgy and Materials, vol. 69, no. 3, Sept. 2024, doi:10.24425/amm.2024.150913.

Issue

Vol. 69 No. 3 (2024)

Section

Articles