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Topology-Optimized Latent Heat Battery: Benchmarking Against a High-Performance Geometry

Author

Listed:
  • Arsham Mortazavi

    (Department of Energy “Galileo Ferraris”, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca Degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy)

  • Matteo Morciano

    (Department of Energy “Galileo Ferraris”, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca Degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy)

  • Pietro Asinari

    (Department of Energy “Galileo Ferraris”, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca Degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy
    INRiM-Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica, Strada delle Cacce 91, 10135 Torino, Italy)

  • Eliodoro Chiavazzo

    (Department of Energy “Galileo Ferraris”, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca Degli Abruzzi 24, 10129 Torino, Italy
    INRiM-Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica, Strada delle Cacce 91, 10135 Torino, Italy)

Abstract

This study presents a topology optimization approach to enhance the discharging performance of a latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) system using paraffin wax as the phase-change material (PCM) and a high-conductivity aluminium structure. Solidification is primarily governed by conduction, and the average heat transfer rate during this process is significantly lower than during melting; therefore, the optimization focused on the discharge phase. In a previous study, a novel LHTES device based on a Cartesian lattice was investigated experimentally and numerically. The validated numerical model from that study was adopted as the reference and used in a 2D topology optimization study based on the Solid Isotropic Material with Penalization (SIMP) method. The objective was to promote more uniform temperature distribution and reduce discharging time while maintaining the same aluminium volume fraction as in the reference device. Topology optimization produced a branched fin design, which was then extruded into a 3D model for comparison with the reference geometry. The optimized design resulted in improved temperature uniformity and a faster solidification process. Specifically, the time required to solidify 90% of the PCM was reduced by 12.3%, while the time to release 90% of the latent heat during the solidification process improved by 7.6%.

Suggested Citation

  • Arsham Mortazavi & Matteo Morciano & Pietro Asinari & Eliodoro Chiavazzo, 2025. "Topology-Optimized Latent Heat Battery: Benchmarking Against a High-Performance Geometry," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(15), pages 1-17, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:15:p:4054-:d:1713763
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