A Review on CFD Applications in Seasonal Pit Thermal Energy Storage

In the context of China’s “3060” double carbon goal, large-scale pit thermal energy storage (PTES) can effectively solve the problem of mismatch between energy supply and demand in terms of time, space, and intensity, because of low cost, high heat storage efficiency, and convenient construction. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) technology is commonly used to simulate the flow and transfer of heat and further to analyze the temperature, velocity distribution, flow patterns and performance evaluation for large-scale PTES. Firstly, the CFD technology used in PTES was summarized. Secondly, the progress of CFD technology in structural design and optimization, performance evaluation, and system operation of thermal storage pits was elaborated in detail. Finally, the prospects of CFD technology in future large-scale PTES were pointed out, especially in terms of material development and system dynamic performance evaluation. This study can provide references and directions for researchers and engineers on large-scale PTES.