The effect of external heat flux on the phase change materials composed of two phase water/PCM-graphene nanofluid in a copper nanochannel

Abstract

The use of phase change materials (PCMs) is one of the modern and efficient technologies for thermal energy storage. PCMs are materials used for heat storage (without a noticeable temperature change) due to their high melting heat. In the upcoming research, the effects of external heat flux on the thermal behavior of water/PCM-graphene nanoparticles nanofluid in the presence of a copper nanochannel have been evaluated. Using a numerical simulation of molecular dynamics, various parameters of velocity (Vel) and temperature profiles, and thermal conductivity have been determined. The results reveal that with increasing heat flux from 0.1 to 0.5 W/m2, the maximum temperature of nanofluid increases from 369.21 to 384.29 K. So, as this external heat flux increases, more heat is being applied to the nanofluids, leading to an increase in their temperature. Therefore, the maximum temperature of the nanofluids in the nanochannel also increases. When an external heat flux is applied to a nanofluid, the temperature gradient across the fluid increases. This increased collision frequency results in a more efficient heat transfer between the NP and the base fluid, increasing thermal conductivity.