Simulation and Experimental Study of an Integrated Electric Heating and Mass-Transfer Channel Device for Calcium-Based Thermochemical Energy Storage

Abstract

This study proposes an integrated calcium-based thermochemical energy storage device combining electric heating and mass-transfer channels to overcome the low energy input efficiency and limited heat and mass transfer of direct fixed-bed Ca(OH)2/CaO systems. A three-dimensional transient multiphysics model was developed and experimentally validated to investigate the charging and discharging characteristics. The results show that internal electric heating provides a more uniform bed temperature field and reaction distribution than conventional wall heating. Annular fins enhance heat transfer, while porous channels improve steam distribution and mass transfer, leading to better thermal performance and operational uniformity. The experimental results show consistent trends with the simulations, confirming the feasibility of the device design and the reliability of the model. This work provides a reactor-level design strategy for enhancing heat and mass transfer in fixed-bed CaO/Ca(OH)2 thermochemical energy storage systems.

Keywords: Thermochemical energy storage, fixed-bed reactor, calcium hydroxide, electric heating, numerical simulation, heat and mass transfer