Thermal energy storage (TES) systems have become advanced technologies for storing and releasing thermal energy during periods of imbalance between energy generation from renewable energy sources and consumption. Phase change materials (PCM) have the capability to store significant amount of thermal energy through latent heat absorption and release. However, thermal energy storage (TES) systems should be designed to accelerate the melting process of the phase change materials. In this study, the influences different fin designs (annular shaped, longitudinal shaped, extruded shaped) on the heat transfer process and phase transition characteristics of a PCM in Latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) systems are numerically investigated using finite element method (FEM). Additionally, only charging process was considered in this comparative analysis. Through the thermal assessment, it was found that Model 4 LHTES with extruded fin demonstrated more uniform temperature distribution and faster phase transition during 6-h time interval when compared to other designs of fins. The complete melting of PCM within the Model 4 LHTES with extruded fin was observed at around 3 h and 20 min, whereas the PCM in Model 3 LHTES with longitudinal fins fully transitioned to the liquid at the 3 h and 42 min. In contrast, the PCM in the Model 2 LHTES with annular fins had entirely melted at 4 h, the melting process on Model 1 LHTES without fins was still continue during 6 h period. These numerical results facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of key aspects of fins integration to optimizing future LHTES system design.
Juraboev et al. (Wed,) studied this question.