Individual and integrated assessment of topological parameters influencing the melting behavior of a triple concentric tube heat exchanger

Abstract

With surging demand for energy and associated limitations, resorting to more novel alternatives is of high-priority. Simultaneous with this course of action, researchers are on track to mitigate intermittency of such resources by leveraging phase change materials (PCMs) in storage systems. Despite possessing multiple benefits, especially their capability of retaining energy in high densities, PCMs tend to lack adequate amounts of thermal conductivity resulting in time-consuming transition procedures. To tackle this problem, this study is fixated on three-pronged parameters pertaining to fins design, inclination of fins and eccentricity of inner tube in a bid to distinguish their individual and integrated applications in a melting process within a triple concentric tube heat exchanger (TCTHX). A numerical approach using Ansys Fluent 16.0 has been exercised for simulation of given system before which the data ranking with another authentic study served as the validation of present work. The results provided by 8 categorized cases underlined the importance of natural convection as eccentricity brough about a surge of 14% compared to concentric scenario, although finned cases outstripped all unfinned ones. As with eccentricity and fin, fins orientation proved influential as minor modifications to finned cases led to appreciable enhancements of 66% and 68% when set against the original plain case.