Topology optimization of a rectangular phase change material module

Abstract

Latent heat storages have numerous times been demonstrated to benefit from including highly conductive fin structures for elevated charging and discharging properties. However, to this point it is still unclear how fins should be designed for optimal charging performance while meeting constraints on minimum storage density and manufacturability. Therefore, in the present work, we use topology optimization to obtain optimal designs for rectangular Phase Change Material (PCM) modules charged by a water flow, based on a conductive heat transfer model for the PCM. The optimal topologies are designed for maximum mean charging power of the PCM over a desired charge time. The optimal designs feature tree-like metal structures with an increased amount of branching for higher power requirements. Moreover, the optimal topologies are compared with straight fins with an equal minimal length scale. This comparison reveals the sub-optimality of the obtained tree-like designs for conduction driven phase-change problems.