Numerical melting performance analysis of a cylindrical thermal energy storage unit using nano-enhanced PCM and multiple horizontal fins

Abstract

Melting thermal performance of a vertical cylindrical thermal energy storage unit is numerically investigated in presence of a phase change material (PCM) including ${\mathrm{Al}}_2{\mathrm{O}}_3$ nanoparticles (nano-PCM) and also horizontal radial copper fins .The results indicate that an increase in the number of fins will improve the heat transfer with subsequent reduction (up to 25.7%) in the melting time. But, use of nano-PCM without fin can only improve the melting time up to 5.5% for the case including 5% of nanoparticles. The best result corresponds to the case with simultaneous use of nano-PCM (5% of Al₂O₃) and fins (three fins) that could improve the melting time up to 28.3%.