Numerical and experimental investigation of melting process in spherical pcm capsule used for low-temperature thermal energy storage systems

Abstract

The present work deals with the experimental and numerical investigation of melting process of phase change material used for low temperature thermal energy storage applications. Thermal energy storage is a good solution to bridge the gap between energy supply and energy demand. The unconstrained melting of paraffin wax having melting range of 570C to 610C was studied in simple spherical glass capsule. The objective of the subject work is to perform the experimental and numerical analysis of melting process in spherical capsule subjected to constant wall temperature. Ansys Fluent 18 is used for computation purpose. In experimental analysis, melting process was observed through visual capturing of interface between solid and liquid. Melting fraction and temperature at the centre of PCM capsule are monitored both experimentally and numerically. Good consistency in results were observed.