Thermo-Hydraulic Performance of Mini Channels in the Presence of Nanoparticles Phase Change Material Slab

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate the effectiveness of combining mini-channel configurations in the presence of phase change material slabs. Different phase change material slabs connected with four mini channels were studied numerically. The Navier-Stokes and energy equations for the flow together with the energy equation for the phase change material considering the two-phase system were solved numerically using the finite element technique. Amongst the parameters investigated in this analysis is the Reynolds number, or in other terms, the flow rate. It is found that heat extraction continues as the flow rate within the microchannel increases until the velocity and thermal boundary layers have fully developed. When these layers are fully grown, adding slabs of phase change materials to the system allows for even more heat extraction. Therefore, a combination of mini-channel and phase change material is the best solution for combined heat extraction from a hot surface. This is especially true for circulating flows near the creeping flow with a low Reynolds number.