Fin configurations to reduce lauric acid melting time in a rectangular thermal reservoir

Latent heat thermal reservoirs can be used as an alternative heat source for a variety of systems. These reservoirs make use of phase-change materials (PCM) as the medium storing thermal energy. However, some PCM have low thermal conductivity which becomes a limiting factor in loading or discharging times. Fins can be used to counteract this issue and increase heat transfer. This study investigated numerically the effects of fin geometric configurations in the melting process of lauric acid PCM. Parameters examined were fin inclination (from 30o to 150o), configuration (solid or perforated) and position. Total melting time was compared between different configurations and a baseline geometry, consisting of straight solid fins. Results show that, at a fixed inclination of 150o, perforated fins decreased melting time by, approximately, 18% when compared to solid fins. When compared to the baseline geometry, the total melting time reduction was about 3%. Of all tested parameters, vertical positioning of fins, which would be the simplest to implement in practice, had the most effect with a decrease in total melting time of 51 min for a reduction of, approximately, 40% when compared to the baseline geometry.

Automated summary

This study investigated the effects of fin geometric configurations in the melting process of lauric acid PCM numerically. Results showed that perforated fins decreased melting time by approximately 18% compared to solid fins at a fixed inclination of 150°. The most significant reduction in total melting time, approximately 40%, was achieved with the vertical positioning of fins, which would be the simplest to implement in practice.