  This paper studies the design and dynamic modelling of a novel thermal energy
storage (TES) system combined with a refrigeration system based on phase change
materials (PCM). Cold-energy production supported by TES systems is a very
appealing field of research, since it allows flexible cold-energy management,
combining demand fulfilment with cost reduction strategies. The paper proposes
and compares two different simulation models for a cold-energy storage system
based on PCM. First, a continuous model is developed, the application of which
is limited to decoupled charging/discharging operations. Given such conditions,
it is a relatively precise model, useful for the tuning of the TES parameters.
The second proposed model is a discrete one, which, despite implementing a
discrete approximation of the system behaviour, allows to study more general
conditions, such as series of partial charging/discharging operations.
Simulation results of both models are compared regarding decoupled
charging/discharging operations, and the ability of the discrete model to
represent more realistic partial operations is analysed.
