Numerical analysis of the performance enhancement of a latent heat storage shell and tube unit using finned tubes during melting and solidification

The present study deals with the numerical analysis of melting and solidification processes in three horizontal storage units for Latent Heat Thermal Storage (LHTS) using water, around its density-temperature inversion point as phase change material (PCM) a water/glycol solution Transfer Fluid (HTF). One these units, made plain tube shell is used this reference against which other two configurations, respectively longitudinal radial finned are compared at constant heat transfer surface, compactness PCM volume. objective to improve thermal performance unit, therefore charge discharge rates surface extension. effect adding or fins on local mechanism studied. major phenomena involved mechanisms such natural convection highlighted their effects during analysed CFD code Star CCM + V12.02. Quantitative including temporal evolution average temperature solid volume fraction configurations. This exhibits complex convective flow structure due buoyancy forces considered range −4 °C 4 °C. During process, intensively develops earlier stages process and, time goes, becomes negligible one conduction. transferred first by conduction later convection. use significantly increases rates, especially configuration found be superior