Heat transfer enhancement in latent heat thermal energy storage unit using a combination of fins and rotational mechanisms

Abstract

Due to the rapid growth of research in the field of thermal energy storage (TSE), optimization of these systems (especially the method of latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES)) is significantly investigated in last couple of years. Using fins is one of the conventional ways to increase the heat transfer rate. In the present study, a numerical simulation is conducted to assess the combined effects of applying both fins and rotation. This study investigates the solidification and melting process by using the enthalpy porosity method. Solidification and melting time and heat transfer rate are two essential parameters in the operating of LHTES heat exchangers. Results show that rotational speed has a positive effect on the operating system, with a reduction in time for the solidification process of 83.21% and the increased heat transfer rate of 12.89 W. Additionally, increased rotational speed has a direct relationship to the improvement of the heat transfer ratio by 2.45 and 3.87 times in the charging and discharging process, respectively.