Solidification of NEPCM under the effect of magnetic field in a porous thermal energy storage enclosure using CuO nanoparticles

Finite element method is applied to simulate solidification of Nano-enhanced phase change material (NEPCM) in existence of magnetic field. Both active (magnetic field) and passive (nanofluid) techniques are used for heat transfer improvement. Darcy model is used for porous media and Koo-Kleinstreuer-Li (KKL) model is employed for nanofluid. Roles of Hartmann number, volume fraction of nanofluid and Rayleigh number are illustrated. Results confirm that as Hartmann number augments, total energy increases and solidification process takes lower time. Solidification time has reverse relationship with Hartmann number and volume fraction of nanofluid. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.