Optimal fin parameters used for enhancing the melting and solidification of phase-change material in a heat exchanger unite

Abstract

A combination of fins-nanoparticle is essential for a wide range of technologies using to enhance the performance of Thermal Energy Storage (TES) systems. Major problem is that most Phase-Change Materials (PCMs) have low thermal conductivity (k ≤ 0.2 W/m K), resulting in an incomplete melting and solidification processes. Triplex-Tube Heat Exchanger (TTHX) was numerically studied with Alumina nanoparticle (Al2O3) and Paraffin (RT82) that has melting and solidification temperatures of 82 °C and 65 °C, respectively. The findings indicate that the isothermal and liquid fraction contours of PCM obtained using external triangular fins entirely achieved at 193 min and 630 min, respectively. Furthermore, other important findings were that the external triangular fins-nanoparticle model has fins number (8), fins length (141 mm) and fins aspect ratio (18%) considered the most efficient to minimize the melting and solidification times to 163 min and 425 min, respectively. A close agreement has proved between numerical and experimental results. Keywords: Thermal energy storage, Triangular fins, Nanoparticle, Melting time, Solidification time