IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/gam/jeners/v14y2021i14p4091-d589750.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Numerical Analysis of Melting Process in a Rectangular Enclosure with Different Fin Locations

Author

Listed:
  • Bin Huang

    (Hubei Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Automotive Components, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
    Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Automotive Components Technology, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China)

  • Lin-Li Tian

    (Hubei Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Automotive Components, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
    Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Automotive Components Technology, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China)

  • Qing-Hua Yu

    (Hubei Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Automotive Components, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
    Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Automotive Components Technology, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China)

  • Xun Liu

    (Hubei Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Automotive Components, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
    Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Automotive Components Technology, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China)

  • Zu-Guo Shen

    (Hubei Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Automotive Components, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
    Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Automotive Components Technology, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China)

Abstract

Latent thermal energy storage is regarded as an effective strategy to utilize solar energy and recover automotive waste heat. Based upon an enthalpy-porosity method, the influence characteristics and mechanism of fin location on phase change material melting behavior in vertical rectangular enclosures were explored numerically. The results show that as fin location increases, the melting time decreases before attaining the minimum at the fin location of 0.20 after which it increases and finally surpasses the no fin case, because (1) the influence range of fins for conduction is limited by the bottom surface when putting fins next to this surface, (2) the liquid flow resistance increases with moving fins up, and (3) mounting fins near the top surface accelerates melting at the upper part, facilitating thermal stratification formation and weakening natural convection. Nu is higher than the no fin case, i.e., Nu enhancement factor is a positive value, in the melting process for a lower fin location, while for other fin locations, a transition to a negative value takes place. The higher the fin location is, the earlier the transition that arises. Finally, a strategy of increasing the maximum liquid flow velocity is proposed to reinforce melting for cases with considerable natural convection.

Suggested Citation

  • Bin Huang & Lin-Li Tian & Qing-Hua Yu & Xun Liu & Zu-Guo Shen, 2021. "Numerical Analysis of Melting Process in a Rectangular Enclosure with Different Fin Locations," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(14), pages 1-17, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:14:p:4091-:d:589750
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/14/14/4091/pdf
    Download Restriction: no
    File URL: https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/14/14/4091/
    Download Restriction: no
    ---><---

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Hosenuzzaman, M. & Rahim, N.A. & Selvaraj, J. & Hasanuzzaman, M. & Malek, A.B.M.A. & Nahar, A., 2015. "Global prospects, progress, policies, and environmental impact of solar photovoltaic power generation," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 41(C), pages 284-297.
    2. Sardari, Pouyan Talebizadeh & Mohammed, Hayder I. & Giddings, Donald & walker, Gavin S. & Gillott, Mark & Grant, David, 2019. "Numerical study of a multiple-segment metal foam-PCM latent heat storage unit: Effect of porosity, pore density and location of heat source," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 189(C).
    3. Lin, Yaxue & Alva, Guruprasad & Fang, Guiyin, 2018. "Review on thermal performances and applications of thermal energy storage systems with inorganic phase change materials," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 165(PA), pages 685-708.
    4. Shen, Zu-Guo & Chen, Shuai & Liu, Xun & Chen, Ben, 2021. "A review on thermal management performance enhancement of phase change materials for vehicle lithium-ion batteries," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 148(C).
    5. Zhang, Shuai & Feng, Daili & Shi, Lei & Wang, Li & Jin, Yingai & Tian, Limei & Li, Ziyuan & Wang, Guoyong & Zhao, Lei & Yan, Yuying, 2021. "A review of phase change heat transfer in shape-stabilized phase change materials (ss-PCMs) based on porous supports for thermal energy storage," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 135(C).
    6. Zhao, Jiaxin & Ma, Tao & Li, Zhenpeng & Song, Aotian, 2019. "Year-round performance analysis of a photovoltaic panel coupled with phase change material," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 245(C), pages 51-64.
    7. Lin, Yaxue & Jia, Yuting & Alva, Guruprasad & Fang, Guiyin, 2018. "Review on thermal conductivity enhancement, thermal properties and applications of phase change materials in thermal energy storage," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 82(P3), pages 2730-2742.
    8. Abdi, Amir & Martin, Viktoria & Chiu, Justin N.W., 2019. "Numerical investigation of melting in a cavity with vertically oriented fins," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 235(C), pages 1027-1040.
    9. Gohar Gholamibozanjani & Mohammed Farid, 2021. "A Critical Review on the Control Strategies Applied to PCM-Enhanced Buildings," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-39, March.
    10. Li, Zhenpeng & Ma, Tao & Zhao, Jiaxin & Song, Aotian & Cheng, Yuanda, 2019. "Experimental study and performance analysis on solar photovoltaic panel integrated with phase change material," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 178(C), pages 471-486.
    11. Tao, Y.B. & He, Ya-Ling, 2018. "A review of phase change material and performance enhancement method for latent heat storage system," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 93(C), pages 245-259.
    12. Park, Sangki & Woo, Seungchul & Shon, Jungwook & Lee, Kihyung, 2017. "Experimental study on heat storage system using phase-change material in a diesel engine," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 119(C), pages 1108-1118.
    13. Wang, Fangxian & Cao, Jiahao & Ling, Ziye & Zhang, Zhengguo & Fang, Xiaoming, 2020. "Experimental and simulative investigations on a phase change material nano-emulsion-based liquid cooling thermal management system for a lithium-ion battery pack," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 207(C).
    14. Joneidi, M.H. & Rahimi, M. & Pakrouh, R. & Bahrampoury, R., 2020. "Experimental analysis of Transient melting process in a horizontal cavity with different configurations of fins," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 145(C), pages 2451-2462.
    15. M. Mohamed Thalib & Athikesavan Muthu Manokar & Fadl A. Essa & N. Vasimalai & Ravishankar Sathyamurthy & Fausto Pedro Garcia Marquez, 2020. "Comparative Study of Tubular Solar Stills with Phase Change Material and Nano-Enhanced Phase Change Material," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(15), pages 1-13, August.
    16. Enghok Leang & Pierre Tittelein & Laurent Zalewski & Stéphane Lassue, 2020. "Impact of a Composite Trombe Wall Incorporating Phase Change Materials on the Thermal Behavior of an Individual House with Low Energy Consumption," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-32, September.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Hamidi, E. & Ganesan, P.B. & Sharma, R.K. & Yong, K.W., 2023. "Computational study of heat transfer enhancement using porous foams with phase change materials: A comparative review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 176(C).
    2. Kumar, Laveet & Hasanuzzaman, M. & Rahim, N.A. & Islam, M.M., 2021. "Modeling, simulation and outdoor experimental performance analysis of a solar-assisted process heating system for industrial process heat," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 164(C), pages 656-673.
    3. Chen, Xue & Li, Xiaolei & Xia, Xinlin & Sun, Chuang & Liu, Rongqiang, 2021. "Thermal storage analysis of a foam-filled PCM heat exchanger subjected to fluctuating flow conditions," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 216(C).
    4. Ewelina Radomska & Lukasz Mika & Karol Sztekler & Lukasz Lis, 2020. "The Impact of Heat Exchangers’ Constructions on the Melting and Solidification Time of Phase Change Materials," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-44, September.
    5. Shen, Zu-Guo & Chen, Shuai & Liu, Xun & Chen, Ben, 2021. "A review on thermal management performance enhancement of phase change materials for vehicle lithium-ion batteries," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 148(C).
    6. Liu, Yang & Zheng, Ruowei & Li, Ji, 2022. "High latent heat phase change materials (PCMs) with low melting temperature for thermal management and storage of electronic devices and power batteries: Critical review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 168(C).
    7. Tombrink, Jonas & Bauer, Dan, 2022. "Demand-based process steam from renewable energy: Implementation and sizing of a latent heat thermal energy storage system based on the Rotating Drum Heat Exchanger," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 321(C).
    8. Gao, Datong & Gao, Guangtao & Cao, Jingyu & Zhong, Shuai & Ren, Xiao & Dabwan, Yousef N. & Hu, Maobin & Jiao, Dongsheng & Kwan, Trevor Hocksun & Pei, Gang, 2020. "Experimental and numerical analysis of an efficiently optimized evacuated flat plate solar collector under medium temperature," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 269(C).
    9. Zhao, Dong & Liu, Ying, 2020. "A prototype for light-electric harvester based on light sensitive liquid crystal elastomer cantilever," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 198(C).
    10. Wang, Hanxi & Xu, Jianling & Sheng, Lianxi, 2019. "Study on the comprehensive utilization of city kitchen waste as a resource in China," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 173(C), pages 263-277.
    11. Giovanni Salvatore Sau & Valerio Tripi & Anna Chiara Tizzoni & Raffaele Liberatore & Emiliana Mansi & Annarita Spadoni & Natale Corsaro & Mauro Capocelli & Tiziano Delise & Anna Della Libera, 2021. "High-Temperature Chloride-Carbonate Phase Change Material: Thermal Performances and Modelling of a Packed Bed Storage System for Concentrating Solar Power Plants," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(17), pages 1-17, August.
    12. Ma, Tao & Li, Meng & Kazemian, Arash, 2020. "Photovoltaic thermal module and solar thermal collector connected in series to produce electricity and high-grade heat simultaneously," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 261(C).
    13. Li, Han & Li, Jinchao & Kong, Xiangfei & Long, Hao & Yang, Hua & Yao, Chengqiang, 2020. "A novel solar thermal system combining with active phase-change material heat storage wall (STS-APHSW): Dynamic model, validation and thermal performance," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 201(C).
    14. Zhou, Yuekuan & Zheng, Siqian, 2020. "Multi-level uncertainty optimisation on phase change materials integrated renewable systems with hybrid ventilations and active cooling," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 202(C).
    15. Muhammad Aftab Rafiq & Liguo Zhang & Chih-Chun Kung, 2022. "A Techno-Economic Analysis of Solar Energy Developmental Under Competing Technologies: A Case Study in Jiangxi, China," SAGE Open, , vol. 12(2), pages 21582440221, June.
    16. Liu, Yang & Wang, Hongxia & Ayub, Iqra & Yang, Fusheng & Wu, Zhen & Zhang, Zaoxiao, 2021. "A variable cross-section annular fins type metal hydride reactor for improving the phenomenon of inhomogeneous reaction in the thermal energy storage processes," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 295(C).
    17. Golmohamadi, Hessam & Larsen, Kim Guldstrand & Jensen, Peter Gjøl & Hasrat, Imran Riaz, 2022. "Integration of flexibility potentials of district heating systems into electricity markets: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 159(C).
    18. Tian, Shen & Yang, Qifan & Hui, Na & Bai, Haozhi & Shao, Shuangquan & Liu, Shengchun, 2020. "Discharging process and performance of a portable cold thermal energy storage panel driven by embedded heat pipes," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 205(C).
    19. Liu, Chenzhen & Cheng, Qingjiang & Li, Baohuan & Liu, Xinjian & Rao, Zhonghao, 2023. "Recent advances of sugar alcohols phase change materials for thermal energy storage," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 188(C).
    20. Hekimoğlu, Gökhan & Nas, Memduh & Ouikhalfan, Mohammed & Sarı, Ahmet & Tyagi, V.V. & Sharma, R.K. & Kurbetci, Şirin & Saleh, Tawfik A., 2021. "Silica fume/capric acid-stearic acid PCM included-cementitious composite for thermal controlling of buildings: Thermal energy storage and mechanical properties," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 219(C).

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:14:y:2021:i:14:p:4091-:d:589750. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: MDPI Indexing Manager (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.mdpi.com .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.