Improvement of heat transfer within phase change materials using V-shaped rods

Abstract

This study numerically investigated the improvement of heat transmission to phase change material (PCM) paraffin wax in a triangular cell with and without fins. The enthalpy–porosity combination was quantitatively evaluated using the ANSYS/FLUENT 20 program. Materials with the phase shifts of paraffin wax were used in this study (RT42). According to the study findings, fins significantly accelerate the melting process and decrease the time required to finish it. The time difference between melting with and without fins is 125%. Moreover, the inclusion of v-shaped fins contributed to a 200% reduction in the melting process time. Thus, the use of v-shaped fins facilitates faster heat transfer to and from the applications wherein the phase change materials are used.

Keywords

• Fins
• Melting process
• PCMs