Optimized field synergy analysis strategy for heat transfer mechanism in latent heat storage: Based on the front-tracking algorithm and the segmentation thinking

The transient solid-liquid front movement complicates the natural convection in latent heat storage (LHS) and the heat transfer mechanism remains challenging. To address this issue, this study proposes an optimized field synergy strategy using a front-tracking algorithm, which analyzes the heat transfer in segmented regions rather than the entire domain. Four LHS units with varying shell shapes are designed and experimentally validated. The melting performance shows that the upward case improves the melting performance and heat transfer intensity by 17.44 % and 21.56 % compared to the benchmark case. Further analysis using the field synergy principle (FSP) explores the synergy and matching degree. The results indicate that heat transfer is driven by the combined effects of different regions, with heat transfer near the tube wall and the solid-liquid front dominating. The FSP analysis indicates that the heat transfer mechanism is affected by the comprehensive effect of the synergy and matching degree. Specifically, the matching degree is more crucial when the shell shape changes. The upward case improves the matching degree by 29.95 % and 33.82 % near the tube wall and solid-liquid front, respectively. This study provides a novel analysis and optimization strategy for LHS systems with natural convection.