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Numerical analysis of phase-change material melting in triplex tube heat exchanger

Author

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  • Yang, Kun
  • Zhu, Neng
  • Chang, Chen
  • Yu, Haoran
  • Yang, Shan

Abstract

Latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) systems have gained significant attention recently owing to their high energy-storage-density per unit volume and nearly isothermal behavior during the phase-change process. This study numerically investigates the melting performance of a phase-change material (PCM: Ba(OH)2·8H2O) in a triplex tube heat exchanger (TTHX). First, the physical and mathematical models of the TTHX are established. Then, the governing equations are discretized by the finite volume method (FVM). Finally, numerical calculations are carried out by implementing the developed numerical algorithm in FORTRAN computer code. The results reveal that the inlet temperature and flow state of the heat transfer fluid (HTF) significantly influences the PCM melting performance and exergy efficiency ratio of the investigated TTHX. A higher inlet temperature and turbulent state of the HTF can accelerate the phase-change process. However, increasing the mass flow rate of the HTF decreases the exergy efficiency ratio of the investigated TTHX. In conclusion, considering both the melting time and exergy efficiency ratio, increasing the HTF inlet temperature to a certain extent and reducing the mass flow rate of the HTF in the turbulent state can improve the thermal performance of the investigated TTHX.

Suggested Citation

  • Yang, Kun & Zhu, Neng & Chang, Chen & Yu, Haoran & Yang, Shan, 2020. "Numerical analysis of phase-change material melting in triplex tube heat exchanger," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 145(C), pages 867-877.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:renene:v:145:y:2020:i:c:p:867-877
    DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2019.06.092
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Yang, Kun & Zhu, Neng & Li, Yongzhao & Du, Na, 2021. "Effect of parameters on the melting performance of triplex tube heat exchanger incorporating phase change material," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 174(C), pages 359-371.
    2. Ewelina Radomska & Lukasz Mika & Karol Sztekler & Lukasz Lis, 2020. "The Impact of Heat Exchangers’ Constructions on the Melting and Solidification Time of Phase Change Materials," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-44, September.
    3. Beust, Clément & Franquet, Erwin & Bédécarrats, Jean-Pierre & Garcia, Pierre, 2020. "Predictive approach of heat transfer for the modelling of large-scale latent heat storages," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 157(C), pages 502-514.

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