A comparative study of twisted and straight fins in enhancing the melting and solidifying rates of PCM in horizontal double-tube heat exchangers

Abstract

This study explores the melting and solidifying behaviour of phase change materials (PCM) in horizontal double-tube heat exchangers equipped with straight and twisted fins. Three-dimensional numerical simulations employing the enthalpy-porosity approach were conducted. RT35, which acts as the PCM, was enclosed in the inner tube, while water circulated as the heat transfer fluid (HTF) in the outer tube. The impacts of fin configuration (twisted versus straight), number of pitches, thickness, and length on the heat storage and recovery rates were analyzed during the melting and solidifying modes. The results demonstrated enhanced heat transport and phase change rates by incorporating fins, with twisted fins outperforming straight fins. Specifically, the charging and discharging rates improved by approximately 10% and 14% with twisted fins compared to straight fins, and by 15% and 40% relative to the finless case, respectively. The heat transfer rates showed direct correlations with the number of pitches, thickness, and length of the twisted fins. The twisted fins generated a swirling PCM flow, reducing thermal resistance. The study provides important guidelines on optimising twisted fin parameters like length, thickness, and orientation to improve the performance of thermal storage systems across renewable energy, waste heat recovery, and related applications.