Energy analysis of a novel Rotary Wheel Recuperator with embedded Phase Change Material

This paper numerically analyses the energy savings capacity of a novel Rotary Wheel Recuperator (RWR) system with Phase Change Material (PCM) embedded into the metallic structure of the system. As a novelty, several cases with different wall materials are analysed. PCM helps increase the storage capacity and extends the time that the system is working. The study covers different PCM content (up to 20%) and different thicknesses of the metallic structure (between 0.25 mm and 1.30 mm). The study concludes than an optimum combination of a PCM content of 15% in mass and a wall thickness of t h o p t = 0 . 75 mm , would permit the additively manufacturing of the proposed system and a proper operation without an excessive air pressure drop and a high charging efficiency. With these parameters and a Coefficient of Performance (COP) of 1, the extra energy consumed by the fan is less than 1.2% of the energy saved by the RWR. • Simulation of Phase Change Material in a minimum unit of a Rotary Wheel Recuperator. • Addition of 20% of PCM increases the energy storage capacity a 55%. • Higher thicknesses imply higher energy savings. • Increase of 250% in terms of recovered energy for a 1.30 mm-duct-thickness.