Thermal assessment of cold storage process involving nanomaterial via numerical approach

Abstract

The primary aim of this study is to extend a numerical approach aimed at improving the efficiency of the solidification process. Two key strategies, namely the scattering of nano-powders and the installation of fins, were employed to intensify freezing. By approximating and neglecting the influence of velocity terms, the final equations were streamlined to form a mathematical model. To enhance accuracy, mesh adaptation was integrated with the Galerkin method for solving the model. Various scenarios were examined to assess the impression of both the shape and concentration of nano-powders on freezing. A significant correlation was observed between the concentration of additives and the efficiency of conduction, causing in a decrement in the required solidification time by approximately 32.8 %. Furthermore, modifying the shape of the nano-powders and selecting those with a higher shape factor substantially improved freezing efficiency, resulting in an increase of approximately 10.89 %.

Keywords

• Storing cold energy
• Mesh adaption
• Galerkin technique
• Unsteady process
• Solidification
• Nanomaterial