Topology Optimization of Fins for Rapid Heat Storage and Release in Triangular-Inside Tube Units

Abstract

An inner triangular tube accumulator was proposed to solve the problem of low heat transfer rate of traditional phase change accumulators. Based on topology optimization, the fins were designed for the purpose of strengthening heat transfer, the topological result was reconstructed, its topological characteristics were extracted to redesign the fin configuration, and the heat transfer capacity of different fin configuration was analyzed. The results show that the inner triangular tube accumulators have a significant advantage of heat storage and release performance over the traditional circular tube accumulators; the accumulators equipped with topologically reconstructed fins can shorten the storage and release time and improve heat transfer efficiency; in the heat storage process, the bifuracated topology characteristic can improve the natural convection; during the heat release process, the accumulators equipped with topologically reconstructed fins are less disspated, more reversible and more efficient.