Modeling Thermal Energy Storage Capability of Organic PCM Materials Confined in a 2-D Cavity

Organic phase change materials (PCMs) are a useful and increasingly popular choice for thermal energy storage applications such as solar energy and building envelope thermal barriers. These outdoor conditions greatly affect the performance of PCM envelopes. This project studies the effect of different parameters on energy transfer through the cavity. These parameters are PCM material, heat flux gain (solar radiation), and time-period (day hours). One parameter was changed at a time while others kept the same. This model was simulated numerically using ANSYS FLUENT software. It was found that linoleic acid provides the highest right side surface heat flux meaning it provides the lowest thermal resistance. On the other hand, Tricosane found to provide the lowest right side surface heat flux, meaning it provides the highest thermal resistance. Also, higher heat flux gain from the left side results in higher surface heat flux on the right side. For longer days (q < 1), the PCM was in liquid form for longer time, which means less conduction while for shorter days (q > 1), the PCM was in solid form for longer time.