Thermal performance analysis of different T-shaped fin configurations on thermal energy storage through simplified enthalpy based lattice Boltzmann method

Abstract

This present study aims to clarify the enhancing effects of different T-shaped fins inside the horizontal shell and tube energy storage unit. The impact of various length-width ratios, rotation angles and eccentric distances of T-shaped fins are investigated. The results can be concluded as follows. The melting efficiency can be increased by 35.48% as the length-width radio increases from 0.5 to 2, for that the augment of length-width ratio can enhance the conduction process, but the enhancing amplitude gradually decreases. The increase of the rotation angle could result in decrease of the thermal performance. Compared to Ro = 0°, the melting efficiency can be decreased by 14.89% for Ro = 45°. With the augment of eccentric distances, the energy storage process is enhanced first and then weakened, the optimal eccentric distance is Ec = 2R2/3. T-shaped fins with the geometric parameters of AR = 2, Ro = 0° and Ec = 2R2/3 is the optimal configuration. Through the optimal configuration, the melting efficiency can be increased by 97.72% compared to finless tube, and it can be increased by 28.12% compared to rectangular fins. This study can further improve our understanding on the enhancing effects of T-shaped fins and provide guidance for its optimal configurations.

Keywords

• Thermal energy storage
• Phase change
• T-shaped fins
• Eccentric configuration
• Lattice Boltzmann method