Comparative analysis of heat transfer performance in cavities with varied wall conditions and nano encapsulated phase change material–water

Abstract

This numerical study investigates convective flow within a square cavity subjected to a temperature gradient established between hot and cold walls. The cold wall is subjected to three different conditions: standard, elastic, and open boundary. The cavity is filled with an advanced nanofluid comprising water and nano encapsulated phase change material (NEPCM). The NEPCM feature a polyurethane shell encapsulating a nonadecane core, known for its phase transition capabilities and efficient storage or release of substantial latent heat. Numerical solutions for the momentum and energy equations are obtained for the three wall types, considering variations in the volume fraction of NEPCM (0.0≤ϕ≤0.05), Rayleigh number (105≤RaH≤106), and the fusion temperature of the core (0.1≤θF≤0.3). The results reveal that the type of wall in the cavity (standard, elastic, or open) has a significant impact on the flow patterns and heat transfer characteristics. The open wall, in particular, showed a distinct behavior with a lower mid-region temperature and a higher heat transfer rate at lower NEPCM concentrations compared to the standard and elastic walls. Adjusting the concentration from 1% to 5% increases the heat transfer rates by 44, 49, and 37 percent for standard, elastic, and open wall conditions, respectively.