Optimization of heat transfer in PCM based triple tube heat exchanger using multitudinous fins and eccentric tube

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the effect of incorporating a hybrid concept of heat transfer enhancement using extended surfaces and eccentricity of the inner tube in an RT-82 phase change material-based horizontal triple tube heat exchanger. Three types of fins were used, namely longitudinal, arc and triangular shape fins, as per suitability for better heat transfer. Moreover, the concept of eccentricity was also implemented to make PCM melt faster. The novelty of the present study lies in optimizing the heat transfer enhancement by proper placement of the fins and eccentric inner tube arrangement. A conduction-convection model was used to examine the thermal performance of a triple tube heat exchanger. The natural convection of PCM was employed using the Boussinesq approximation. The governing equations were solved using finite volume-based Ansys Fluent 2021 R2 software. The performance study of phase change material was based on transient variation of liquid fraction and average temperature. The optimum model showed a 63.87 % reduction in melting time and a 175.16 % improvement in heat transfer rate compared to a simple triple tube heat exchanger to achieve the unit liquid fraction. It is also observed from the calculation of the Rayleigh number that the conduction became more dominant than the convection phenomenon in the fin based model. The main finding of the present study is the use of triangular fins on the base along with the curved fins at the lower middle section because this arrangement shows high heat penetration capability. The results indicate that fins selection and placement significantly enhance the heat transfer rate.