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Multi-objective optimization of heat charging performance of phase change materials in tree-shaped perforated fin heat exchangers

Author

Listed:
  • Wang, Zhen
  • Wang, Yanlin
  • Yang, Laishun
  • Cui, Yi
  • Song, Lei
  • Yue, Guangxi

Abstract

To enhance the convective heat transfer and overall thermal performance of horizontal latent heat storage (LHS) units, an innovative tree-shaped fin structure with perforations was introduced. A numerical simulation study examined the impact of perforation layers on the unit's overall performance. For a comprehensive analysis of the perforations' cumulative effect on the LHS unit, the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was utilized to assess the influence of variations in perforation diameter and number on material consumption and heat exchange targets, deriving predictive correlations. The results indicated that compared to a non-perforated structure, the maximum improvement was observed with three layers of perforations, reducing material usage by 0.93%, while increasing the Nusselt number (Nu) and heat exchange by 10.19% and 36.51%, respectively. Moreover, the average temperature of the phase change material (PCM) in one and three perforated layers was higher than in the non-perforated tree-shaped fins, with complete melting times reduced by 5.37% and 2.51%, respectively. RSM results showed a negative linear correlation between increased perforation diameter and number with reduced material consumption, with the number of perforations having a more significant impact on heat exchange than their diameter. The Pareto optimal points obtained using the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) demonstrated lower material usage and higher heat exchange. Compared to the non-perforated tree-shaped fins, the Pareto-optimized solutions reduced material consumption by 2%–2.68% and increased heat exchange by 79.42%–94.45%. Analysis of the flow field, temperature field, and phase change process revealed that perforations significantly enhanced the mixing of PCM in different areas of the tree-like fins and secondary flow, with temperatures near the perforations increasing by 5–7K and flow velocity by 3–4 times, significantly promoting convective heat transfer.

Suggested Citation

  • Wang, Zhen & Wang, Yanlin & Yang, Laishun & Cui, Yi & Song, Lei & Yue, Guangxi, 2024. "Multi-objective optimization of heat charging performance of phase change materials in tree-shaped perforated fin heat exchangers," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 294(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:energy:v:294:y:2024:i:c:s036054422400611x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.energy.2024.130839
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Wang, Zhen & Wang, Yanlin & Yang, Laishun & Cui, Yi & Dong, Ao & Cui, Weiwei & Yue, Guangxi, 2024. "Heat charge performance prediction and optimization of locally refined bionic fin heat exchanger with PCM and nanoparticles based on NSGA-II," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 230(C).
    2. Zihan Zhao & Jingzhi Jiang & Jingzhou An, 2025. "Effect of New Mesh Fins on the Heat Storage Performance of a Solar Phase Change Heat Accumulator," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(14), pages 1-25, July.
    3. Fang, Zhicheng & Zhao, Chuntian, 2025. "Thermal performance analysis of novel bionic fins in a concentric three-tube latent heat storage system," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 243(C).
    4. Wei, Hanze & Wei, Ziqing & Zhu, Hanbao & Zheng, Chunyuan & Li, Bin & Zhao, Bingchen & Zhai, Xiaoqiang, 2026. "Experimental investigation and performance evaluation of direct contact phase change packed bed heat exchanger based on shape-stable phase change thermal storage unit," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 257(C).
    5. Wang, Yanglun & Mao, Qianjun & Zhao, Yuan & Tan, Yunlu, 2025. "Experimental and numerical study of the melting process of phase change materials with novel finned heat storage tank under non-steady state conditions," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 320(C).
    6. Tang, Songzhen & Song, Yuling & Liu, Pinwei & Wu, Xuehong & Xu, Yanyan & Zhou, Junjie & Li, Xiuzhen, 2025. "Design and optimization of a vertical shell-and-tube latent heat thermal energy storage system via discontinuous fins," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 243(C).

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