Investigating the impact of fin configuration on phase change material melting in square cells: A numerical study

Abstract

This investigation thoroughly explores the effects of different fin arrangements on the melting behavior of phase change materials (PCMs), specifically paraffin wax (RT42), within a 50 × 50 mm2 square cell. Three distinct cases are considered: Case 1 involves no fins, Case 2 incorporates straight rectangular fins, and Case 3 employs undulated fins. To simulate real-world thermal energy storage conditions, the PCM container is thermally insulated, preventing external heat leakage. The primary objective is to identify the optimal fin arrangement to enhance latent heat storage system efficiency by improving both melting and solidification processes. The novelty of this research lies in the detailed analysis of various undulated fin geometries and their placements, which have not been extensively explored in previous studies. Numerical simulations were conducted using the ANSYS FLUENT solver. The progression of PCM melting was evaluated via the ANSYS design modeler based on the finite volume method, incorporating transient heat conduction and free convection. The results demonstrate that optimized undulated fin configurations can significantly enhance the melting process by promoting uniform temperature distribution and improving heat transfer rates, thereby reducing melting time. This study provides valuable insights for designing efficient latent heat energy storage systems, contributing to advancements in energy management and sustainable technologies.