Thermal storage performance of a novel shell-and-tube latent heat storage system: Active role of inner tube improvement and fin distribution optimization

Xiuzhen Li, Sen Chen, Yingying Tan, Guo Tian, Zhanwei Wang, Songzhen Tang and Lin Wang

Renewable Energy, 2024, vol. 228, issue C

Abstract: This study presents a numerical analysis of the melting process in a shell-and-tube latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) system, featuring a twisted elliptical inner tube with annular fins. Utilizing paraffin as the phase change material (PCM) and water as the heat transfer fluid (HTF), this research examines the impact of varying twist degrees, fin quantity and fin distribution on the system's thermal performance during melting process. The analysis of the melting process includes complete melting time, temperature, and the contour of the solid-liquid interface. Notably, the study identifies that both fin quantity and distribution play a significant role in the melting process. The findings indicate that an optimal configuration, comprising a 720° twisted degree, 11 fins, and a base number a of 0.80, enhances the melting efficiency of the LHTES system by 156.44 % and reduces ineffective heat loss by 41.36 %. These results highlight the potential advantages of the twisted elliptical inner tube structure and propose an innovative approach with an exponentially non-uniform fin distribution, marking an advancement in the field of thermal energy storage.

Keywords: Phase change material; Latent heat thermal energy storage; Thermal storage; Twisted tube (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:renene:v:228:y:2024:i:c:s0960148124007638

DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2024.120695

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