Fin configurations to reduce lauric acid melting time in a rectangular thermal reservoir

Abstract

Latent heat thermal reservoirs can be used as an alternative heat source for a variety of systems. These reservoirs make use of phase-change materials (PCM) as the medium storing thermal energy. However, some PCM have low thermal conductivity which becomes a limiting factor in loading or discharging times. Fins can be used to counteract this issue and increase heat transfer. This study investigated numerically the effects of fin geometric configurations in the melting process of lauric acid PCM. Parameters examined were fin inclination (from 30° to 150°), configuration (solid or perforated) and position. Total melting time was compared between different configurations and a baseline geometry, consisting of straight solid fins. Results show that, at a fixed inclination of 150°, perforated fins decreased melting time by, approximately, 18% when compared to solid fins. When compared to the baseline geometry, the total melting time reduction was about 3%. Of all tested parameters, vertical positioning of fins, which would be the simplest to implement in practice, had the most effect with a decrease in total melting time of 51 min for a reduction of, approximately, 40% when compared to the baseline geometry.