Performance and efficient design of packed bed thermal storage systems. Part 1

A simple model is presented which provides a qualitative understanding of axial dispersion in packed beds. In Part 1 of this paper the model is verified by comparison with results in the literature. Experimental verification will be given in Part 2. Temperature wave front velocities, storage tank geometry, the significance of natural convection, and convection coefficient instabilities are also discussed. The efficient design of packed bed thermal storage systems is emphasized.