Intensifying the thermal response of PCM via fin-assisted foam strips in the shell-and-tube heat storage system

Mahdi, Jasim M.; Najim, Farqad T.; Aljubury, Issam Mohammed Ali; Mohammed, Hayder I.; Khedher, Nidhal Ben; Alshammari, Naif; Cairns, Alasdair; Talebizadehsardari, Pouyan

doi:10.1016/j.est.2021.103733

Cited by 45 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 56 publications

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“…Nevertheless, the most significant inconsistency that almost all PCMs today suffer from is their intrinsically low heat conduction, which has a negative impact on the system’s thermal reaction to the cyclic heat charging/discharging operations. To overcome this issue, researchers identified different approaches for the thermal enhancement of TES systems, such as porous matrices [ 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 ], extended fins [ 20 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 ], and heat pipes [ 26 , 27 ] along with utilizing good performing casing for PCM containment. Boosting the thermal performance of PCM-based storage devices by applying extended fins to the tubes transporting the heat-transfer fluid (HTF) is often considered as one of the most effective enhancement methods in energy storage systems [ 23 , 28 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Improved Melting of Latent Heat Storage Using Fin Arrays with Non-Uniform Dimensions and Distinct Patterns

et al. 2022

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Employing phase-change materials (PCM) is considered a very efficient and cost-effective option for addressing the mismatch between the energy supply and the demand. The high storage density, little temperature degradation, and ease of material processing register the PCM as a key candidate for the thermal energy storage system. However, the sluggish response rates during their melting and solidification processes limit their applications and consequently require the inclusion of heat transfer enhancers. This research aims to investigate the potential enhancement of circular fins on intensifying the PCM thermal response in a vertical triple-tube casing. Fin arrays of non-uniform dimensions and distinct distribution patterns were designed and investigated to determine the impact of modifying the fin geometric characteristics and distribution patterns in various spatial zones of the heat exchanger. Parametric analysis on the various fin structures under consideration was carried out to determine the most optimal fin structure from the perspective of the transient melting evolution and heat storage rates while maintaining the same design limitations of fin material and volume usage. The results revealed that changing the fin dimensions with the heat-flow direction results in a faster charging rate, a higher storage rate, and a more uniform temperature distribution when compared to a uniform fin size. The time required to fully charge the storage system (fully melting of the PCM) was found to be reduced by up to 10.4%, and the heat storage rate can be improved by up to 9.3% compared to the reference case of uniform fin sizes within the same fin volume limitations.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Improved Melting of Latent Heat Storage Using Fin Arrays with Non-Uniform Dimensions and Distinct Patterns

et al. 2022

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“…There are two main ideas centred on optimizing the thermal conductivity of the fins, minimizing the amount of material and increasing the contact area of the intended component [20]. To enhance the thermal conductivity of PCM, researchers have designed various shapes of fins, such as linear fins [21], the combined fractal fins [22], helical fins [23], tee fins [24], L-shaped fins [25], longitudinal with horizontal fins [26], triangular fins [27], and Y-shaped fins [28]. The application of numerical simulation methods in recent years has greatly contributed to the output of such research.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Performance enhancement of phase change materials in triplex-tube latent heat energy storage system using novel fin configurations

et al. 2022

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“…The key property that characterizes the thermal performance of any foam configuration is the foam’s heat transfer coefficient. This is due to the existence of pores, which promote the weaving of the fluid traveling through them, resulting in increased terrestrial convective heat dissipation into the surrounding [ 9 , 10 ]. Applying metal foam [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ], nano-additives [ 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ], functional nano-phase change coolants [ 19 , 20 ], and magnetic fields [ 21 ] are some of enhancement techniques.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Improving the Melting Duration of a PV/PCM System Integrated with Different Metal Foam Configurations for Thermal Energy Management

et al. 2022

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The melting duration in the photovoltaic/phase-change material (PV/PCM) system is a crucial parameter for thermal energy management such that its improvement can realize better energy management in respect to thermal storage capabilities, thermal conditions, and the lifespan of PV modules. An innovative and efficient technique for improving the melting duration is the inclusion of an exterior metal foam layer in the PV/PCM system. For detailed investigations of utilizing different metal foam configurations in terms of their convective heat transfer coefficients, the present paper proposes a newly developed mathematical model for the PV/PCM–metal foam assembly that can readily be implemented with a wide range of operating conditions. Both computational fluid dynamic (CFD) and experimental validations proved the good accuracy of the proposed model for further applications. The present research found that the average PV cell temperature can be reduced by about 12 °C with a corresponding improvement in PCM melting duration of 127%. The addition of the metal foam is more effective at low solar radiation, ambient temperatures far below the PCM solidus temperature, and high wind speeds in nonlinear extension. With increasing of tilt angle, the PCM melting duration is linearly decreased by an average value of (13.4–25.0)% when the metal foam convective heat transfer coefficient is changed in the range of (0.5–20) W/m2.K. The present research also shows that the PCM thickness has a positive linear effect on the PCM melting duration, however, modifying the metal foam configuration from 0.5 to 20 W/m2.K has an effect on the PCM melting duration in such a way that the average PCM melting duration is doubled. This confirms the effectiveness of the inclusion of metal foam in the PV/PCM system.

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Intensifying the thermal response of PCM via fin-assisted foam strips in the shell-and-tube heat storage system

Cited by 45 publications

References 56 publications

Improved Melting of Latent Heat Storage Using Fin Arrays with Non-Uniform Dimensions and Distinct Patterns

Improved Melting of Latent Heat Storage Using Fin Arrays with Non-Uniform Dimensions and Distinct Patterns

Performance enhancement of phase change materials in triplex-tube latent heat energy storage system using novel fin configurations

Improving the Melting Duration of a PV/PCM System Integrated with Different Metal Foam Configurations for Thermal Energy Management

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