Aluminum Inserts for Enhancing Heat Transfer in PCM Accumulator

Abstract

Phase change materials (PCMs) are applied in heat storage units, as they are able to accumulate the energy in the form of the latent heat of fusion. Thus, they can be used in recovering the excess of heat from various industrial processes. Their main weakness is their low thermal conductivity coefficient, which strongly limits their usage. In this paper, the benefits of the application of metallic inserts in heat storage PCM-based units were elaborated. Two kinds of Al–Si spatial elements (foams and honeycomb structures) were produced with the use of means of the investment casting method. Key factors influencing the technological process were established. The surface’s roughness was measured in order to compare the obtained structures with their patterns in terms of the casting’s accuracy. The compressive strength of the samples was tested, and their fatigue resistance was considered. The thermal performance of manufactured inserts in the PCM (paraffin)-based accumulator, supported by the calculation of heat fluxes, was analyzed and adjusted. Finally, further optimization was conducted in terms of the volume ratio of the metal insert to the PCM. Metallic inserts were found to significantly affect the performance of the entire energy storage system, as their use results in reduced charging time, a longer heat release time, increased maximum temperature, and a significant reduction in the temperature gradient in the heat storage unit.

Phase Change Materials in Metal Casting Processes: A Critical Review and Future Possibilities

“…However, the usage of PCM materials is strongly constrained due to their small thermal conductivity coefficient. To overcome this disadvantage, PCMs having low thermal conductivity coefficients metal inserts are used, which are successfully manufactured by using Investment casting [24]. In a research work using aluminium inserts for enhancing heat transfer in PCM accumulator, two types of metal inserts are successfully manufactured, Al-Si structural elements (foams and honeycomb structures) [24,25].…”

Machine-Learning Assisted Optimization Strategies for Phase Change Materials Embedded within Electronic Packages

“…This also provides greater thermal stability as cyclic melting and freezing of the PCM reduces both the range of temperature fluctuations and restricts that fluctuation about its melting point. Most PCM studies have focused on the functionality of PCM laden heat sinks with investigations of different heat sink geometries, orientations, or power levels [1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8], as well as comparative studies comparing different PCM types [9] and evaluating the impact of high thermal conductivity in-serts to enhance heat conduction [10,11]. Although these studies demonstrated extensions in high power operating times before the system overheated, numerous materials and interfaces between the PCM-laden heat sink and heat source prevent their effective use as the heat generation rates increase.…”

Effect of Hydrogen and Absence of Passive Layer on Corrosive Properties of Aluminum Alloys

“…Hydrogen mainly affects constantly, and in this respect this phenomenon is well-explored, and taken into account during the processes that involve them [1][2][3][5][6][7]. However, aluminum alloys have been increasingly applied in recent decades [8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15]. They are employed in boat and ship designs, in aviation, astronautics, and in automotive industries, as well as in bridge structures and many other applications.…”