Design, analysis, and comparative study of a latent heat thermal energy storage system with parallel constructal fins. (1st February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Khosravi, F.; Jafarpur, K.; Eslami, M.
• Is Part Of: Thermal science and engineering progress. Volume 38(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-02-01
• Subjects: Constructal theory -- Parallel design -- LHTES -- Phase Change Material -- Melting/Solidification; Heat engineering -- Periodicals; Heat engineering; Thermodynamics; Periodicals; 621.402
• DOI: 10.1016/j.tsep.2022.101633
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2451-9049

Abstract

Highlights: A constructal "parallel design" fin arrangement is utilized for LHTES. The present design is compared with recently proposed systems at the same conditions. CFD modeling of melting and solidification is performed for all configurations. Parallel design achieves the best performance in complete charging and discharging. The appropriate fin design is suggested for different performance criteria. Abstract: Latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) systems employ phase change materials (PCM) for energy storage, and fins may be incorporated to improve the performance of these systems. In this study, a "parallel" fin arrangement is utilized for LHTES systems based on constructal theory. This geometry minimizes the conductive thermal resistance in a volume-to-point flow problem. The melting/solidification process is then investigated by CFD including natural convection effects. Numerical simulations have also been conducted for previously proposed fin arrangements in the same operational conditions (i.e. the same fin and PCM volumes, materials, initial temperature, and boundary conditions). Therefore, a comprehensive and fair comparison between various fin configurations is now possible, and the impact of different fin configurations on the phase change process in the LHTES system is highlghted. The results show that the "parallel" design provides a uniform and symmetric temperature distribution in the LHTES system, along with a significant reduction in the required time for 100% melting and solidification processes. However, the maximum stored/released energy occurs in Y-shaped fins after full charge/discharge process.