Visualization experiment and numerical study of latent heat storage unit using micro-heat pipe arrays: Melting process. (1st May 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wang, Zeyu; Diao, Yanhua; Zhao, Yaohua; Chen, Chuanqi; Wang, Tengyue; Liang, Lin
• Is Part Of: Energy. Volume 246(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-05-01
• Subjects: Phase change material -- Latent heat storage -- Micro-heat pipe array -- Visualization -- Melting; Phase change material PCM -- Latent heat storage LHS -- Latent heat storage unit LHSU -- Micro-heat pipe array MHPA -- Pure conduction PC -- Natural convection NC -- Heat pipe HP; Power resources -- Periodicals; Power (Mechanics) -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2022.123443
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-5442

Abstract

Abstract: This study conducts experimental visualization and numerical study on the melting of phase change material (PCM) in a rectangular enclosure of a latent heat storage unit based on micro-heat pipe arrays. The solid–liquid interface and temperature distribution in the melting of PCM are recorded by photographic observation and data measurement. Numerical results based on the enthalpy–porosity model are validated by using experimental results. The effects of enclosure geometry on the melting process of PCM are numerically explored. The transition point of a pure conduction mode into the natural convection mode is analyzed by comparing the results obtained in the numerical simulation with and without considering thermal convection. The correlations of the transient heat transfer and the melting rate in the pure conduction and natural convection modes are determined through the analysis of the different heat transfer characteristics in both stages. The results are expected to provide guidance for the design of latent heat storage units using micro-heat pipe arrays in engineering applications. Highlights: Melting of PCM in rectangular enclosure using micro heat pipe array is studied. Phase interface and temperature pattern of PCM is observed. The transition point of conduction into the convection mode is determined. The correlations of the transient heat transfer and the melting rate are obtained.