Exploration of PCM melting in a heated enclosure with vertical plate fins: Experimental analysis

Abstract

This study investigates the enhancement of thermal performance in phase change materials (PCMs) through the application of fins. PCMs are renowned for their ability to store energy with minimal temperature fluctuations, rendering them valuable in thermal energy storage systems. However, their low thermal conductivity constrains heat transfer efficiency. By increasing the surface area, fins can enhance convective heat transfer and offer a solution to this limitation. The research conducts experimental analyses on the efficacy of vertical fins within an enclosure heated by a single vertical wall, emphasizing their influence on PCM thermal performance. Melt fronts are monitored at various time intervals, and local temperatures are recorded at nine specific points. The study explores three types of fins: non-perforated fins, circular-perforated fins, and fins with oval cuts. The findings demonstrate a significant improvement in PCM heat transfer rates and thermal behavior with the incorporation of fins, effectively lowering temperatures in proximity to the heat source. Specifically, the inclusion of 1, 3, and 5 non-perforated fins results in reductions of PCM melting times by 13 %, 32 %, and 39 %, respectively. The maximum melting rates for the cases with 5, 3, and 1 non-perforated fins are approximately 133 %, 90 %, and 22 % higher, respectively, compared to the case without fins. Furthermore, the research identifies an efficient fin design with oval cuts, achieving the shortest melting time while remaining cost-effective and lightweight. This indicates that the melting rate in the final stage of the melting process for this design is higher than in the other cases. This design features 30 % less surface area and 40 % less weight than complete fins, making it an attractive option for thermal systems.