Numerical heat transfer analysis of a thermal energy storage system enclosure with horizontal fin for sustainable energy storage

Abstract

Two-dimensional numerical analysis is carried out in a square cavity with extended surface with nanofluid foe heat transfer enhancement under natural convection in a laminar flow regime. Pure water, ethylene glycol (EG), Water/EG mixture (20%, 40%, 60% and 80%) with aluminium oxide concentration of 3% inside a square cavity for a given fin length, position and different Rayleigh number (103, 104, 105, 106) is considered. Numerical analysis is carried out in Ansys Fluent using homogenous heat transfer model. It is observed that as the conductivity ratio and Rayleigh number increased resulting in higher surface temperature leading to heat transfer enhancement. Moreover, a fin position of 0.5 m height and 0.75 m length has been found to be the most optimal position for better heat transfer enhancement. Furthermore, it has been observed that the higher the conductivity ratio of the fin, the better is the heat enhancement.