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Numerical Simulation and Optimization of the Melting Process of Phase Change Material inside Horizontal Annulus

Author

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  • Saiwei Li

    (School of Energy Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China)

  • Yu Chen

    (School of Energy Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China)

  • Zhiqiang Sun

    (School of Energy Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China)

Abstract

Latent heat storage (LHS) technologies adopting phase change materials (PCMs) are increasingly being used to bridge the spatiotemporal mismatch between energy production and demand, especially in industries like solar power, where strong cyclic fluctuations exist. The shell-and-tube configuration is among the most prevalent ones in LHS and thus draws special attention from researchers. This paper presents numerical investigations on the melting of PCM, a paraffin blend RT27, inside a horizontal annulus. The volume of fluid model was adopted to permit density changes with the solidification/melting model wherein natural convection was taken into account. The eccentricity and diameter of the inner tube, sub-cooling degree of the PCM, and the heating-surface temperature were considered as variables for study. Through the evaluation of the melting time and exergy efficiency, the optimal parameters of the horizontal annulus were obtained. The results showed that the higher the heating boundary temperature, the earlier the convection appeared and the shorter the melting time. Also, the different eccentricity and diameters of the inner tube influenced the annulus tube interior temperature distribution, which in turn determined the strength and distribution of the resulting natural convection, resulting in varying melting rates.

Suggested Citation

  • Saiwei Li & Yu Chen & Zhiqiang Sun, 2017. "Numerical Simulation and Optimization of the Melting Process of Phase Change Material inside Horizontal Annulus," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(9), pages 1-14, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:10:y:2017:i:9:p:1249-:d:109402
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Xue Chen & Chuang Sun & Xinlin Xia & Rongqiang Liu, 2018. "Numerical Analysis on the Radiation-Convection Coupled Heat Transfer in an Open-Cell Foam Filled Annulus," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(10), pages 1-20, October.
    2. Huanmei Yuan & Hao Bai & Minghui Chi & Xu Zhang & Jian Zhang & Zefei Zhang & Liyun Yang, 2019. "A Novel Encapsulation Method for Phase Change Materials with a AgBr Shell as a Thermal Energy Storage Material," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(4), pages 1-12, February.
    3. Mohammad Reza Safaei & Hamid Reza Goshayeshi & Issa Chaer, 2019. "Solar Still Efficiency Enhancement by Using Graphene Oxide/Paraffin Nano-PCM," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(10), pages 1-13, May.
    4. Sheikholeslami, M. & Jafaryar, M. & Shafee, Ahmad & Li, Zhixiong, 2019. "Simulation of nanoparticles application for expediting melting of PCM inside a finned enclosure," Physica A: Statistical Mechanics and its Applications, Elsevier, vol. 523(C), pages 544-556.
    5. 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.

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