An experimental method for validating transient heat transfermathematical models used for phase change materials(PCMs) calculations

Abstract

An experimental procedure, herein called the temperature-change hot chamber method (TCHCM), was developed for the validation of transient heat transfer mathematical models that involve phase transitions. Two such mathematical models were created using two well-accepted methods in the field, namely the enthalpy and the effective heat capacity methods. The models were implemented using computers and validated via the TCHCM. It was shown that the results from the models and from the validation experimental data agreed well. Throughout this paper, it is shown that the TCHCM is simple, effective, and can fully validate heat transfer mathematical models that involve phase transitions. In addition, the accuracies of both the enthalpy and theeffective heat capacity methods were evaluated, learning that the accuracy of the effective heat capacity method was superior, but also that the results provided by the enthalpy method could be improved by the proper determination and selection of a specific phase transition temperature range related to the substances being evaluated.