RESOURCES
Below are three reports concerning Eutectic PCM Cool Storage Systems using the 47 degree F PCM. This includes early chiller-less cooling applications.
"Eutectic Cool Storage: Current Developments"
ASHRAE Journal, Arizona Military Contractor Installation
Equaphase CEO Doug Ames described a 10,000 ton-hour eutectic PCM cool storage system, cooling a 1.17 million square feet facility manufacturing the Apache military helicopter in Mesa, Arizona. This system reduced on-peak demand by about two megawatts, using a 47 degree F PCM installed as a partial-storage, pre-cooler design, and had a 4.3 year payback.
This system included charging the PCM storage tank using the cooling towers for free-cooling during the winter months, thereby displacing a 1400 ton chiller during the winter daytime period.
In addition, this article describes the work of Doug Ames to develop a 41 degree F eutectic PCM under contract with the Electric Power Research Institute. The project led to numerous patents assigned to EPRI.
"Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa: Thermal Energy Storage System 1992 Performance Report"
Report for Southern Cal. Edison by Advanced Energy Systems Consulting
This extensive independent study reports the performance of a eutectic PCM cool storage system at this resort and spa in Palm Desert, California. The system, using a 47 F PCM, resulted in electric cost savings of over $108,000 in 1992 and provided a three year payback to the host customer.
As stated in the conclusion section to this report:
“The storage system at the Marriott Desert Springs Resort and Spa was extremely effective in reducing the electrical usage and demand during the summer on-peak rate period. The storage system performed to the design specifications, providing an average of 6,000 ton-hours per day during the summer on-peak rate period. The heat exchanger was effective during the winter, providing a majority of the hotel’s cooling requirements.”
"Arizona Utility Adds Eutectic Storage Unit"
ASHRAE Journal, May, 1987
In October 1986, Arizona Public Service Company decided to install and monitor a eutectic PCM cool storage system at its Deer Valley Data Center in Phoenix.
The eutectic PCM approach combined the attractive aspects of both chilled water storage and ice storage systems. The system took about one-fourth the space of a comparable chilled water storage tanks.
The eutectic PCM cool storage system was retrofitted into its existing chiller-based cooling system.