Cascaded latent heat thermal energy storage device with longitudinal fins: Numerical investigation of melting process and thermal performance analysis

Using ANSYS Fluent 19.3 software and a 3D transient CFD simulation, the current research aims to examine the charging mechanism efficiency and heat transfer characteristics of a three-stage cascaded latent heat thermal energy storage unit (LHTES) with longitudinal fins. The numerical methodology, which uses governing equations and the enthalpy method to model the phase change phenomenon, was validated using the experimental results. Three PCMs were used (PCM-1, PCM-2, and PCM-3); each with a different melting temperature, and the heat transfer fluid (HTF) was hot silicon oil. In comparison to single-stage, single-stage with fins, and three-stage situations, melting time in cascaded LHTES with fins is reduced by 21.38, 34.98, and 45.17 %, respectively. Total energy storage has risen 0.16 to 46.57 % in this new form. Furthermore, the charging efficiency has improved by 77.95 %, showing better thermal performance.

Automated summary

This study investigates the efficiency of the charging mechanism and heat transfer characteristics of a three-stage cascaded latent heat thermal energy storage unit (LHTES) with longitudinal fins using CFD simulation. The results show that the cascaded LHTES with fins has reduced melting time and improved energy storage efficiency compared to other setups.