Influence of different rotational speeds of inner and outer tubes on phase change heat storage: An optimization study

Abstract

The implementation of the solar phase change heat storage evaporation heat pump system with a latent heat energy storage system has shown promising potential in enhancing solar heating and facilitating the efficient utilization of solar energy. Nevertheless, the utilization of a heat storage medium phase change material with low thermal conductivity in the latent heat energy storage system has hindered its broad-scale application. This present study focuses on a triplex-tube latent heat energy storage unit with N-eicosane serving as the phase change material. A subzone rotation strategy has been developed to improve the melting properties of the unit, and a numerical model of the energy storage unit has been constructed and authenticated. The Taguchi method has been utilized to examine the effect of inner tube speed, outer tube speed, and fin/wall material on melting properties, and the interaction between control variables has been scrutinized. The research findings indicate that the optimized structure, according to the Taguchi method, significantly shortens the melting time by 26.22%, and increases the average rate of temperature response and average heat storage rate by 22.98% and 32.39%, respectively. It should be noted, however, that there is a certain decrease in the total heat absorption during the melting period. By examining the internal dynamic temperature/velocity response, this study displays that the augmentation of the rotation speed in the zone improves the overall convective intensity and heat transfer performance in the unit.