Modelling of the phase change phenomenon based on the enthalpy and the enhanced enthalpy methods

Abstract

Phase change materials can be used in various applications where thermal energy storage is needed, especially in renewable energy applications involving solar thermal and geothermal power Accurate modelling of these materials is needed for improved system design and optimization. Based on literature, two mathematical models are developed in this study, describing the one-dimensional transient heat transfer by conduction in isothermal phase change materials in Cartesian and cylindrical coordinate systems, both based on the enthalpy method, while for the second one the Kirchhoff transformation was also used. The explicit finite difference approach is used for the numerical solutions and comparisons of the results derived from both models and geometries are conducted.