Effect of installing branch-shaped fin on cold energy saving during freezing considering nanomaterial

Abstract

This research examines the solidification through a finned tank containing alumina nano-powders and water as PCM (phase change material). Mathematical models were developed, assuming a uniform concentration of nano-powders and neglecting convective term effects. The model includes three time-dependent terms, discretized using an implicit approach, with solutions obtained via the Galerkin method and convergence achieved using an adaptive mesh. The thermal conductivity of NEPCM improves with increased concentration (ϕ), resulting in a faster transition from liquid NEPCM to ice. For pure water, the complete freezing time is 6795.38 s; however, with additives, this time is reduced by 26.78 %. Additionally, using powders with a higher ''m'' value further accelerates the freezing process, decreasing the completion time by about 6.98 %. The effect of powder configuration becomes more pronounced with increasing concentration. These findings are crucial for enhancing the sustainability of natural resources by improving cold storage and solidification processes.

Keywords

• Solidification
• Implicit technique
• Finned enclosure
• Sustainability of natural resources
• Unsteady heat transfer
• Nanomaterial