Operations Research Modeling for Optimizing Cylindrical PCM Thermal Energy Storage Efficiency

PCMs are regarded as the major storage medium because of their high latent heat capacity, and LHTES systems are made to store enormous amounts of thermal energy with almost constant operating temperatures. This paper uses the enthalpy porosity technique to numerically analyze the melting behavior of PCM in a finned cylindrical LHTES system. Four distinct fin designs were constructed at various angles in order to examine the effect on efficiency. Additionally, the results demonstrated that a larger area of contact between the fins and the PCM shortens the melting time. Furthermore, it was discovered that the melting process can be accelerated by positioning the fins at the bottom surface while permitting the maximal area in lower parts. It accomplishes the following percentage reduction in melting time for the four models, with a minimum full melting time of ۵۳ minutes: Model B at ۲۵.۶۱%, Model C at ۳۳.۳۶%, and Model D at ۲۵.۸%. This contrasts with the traditional approach by ۳۴.۹۳%. Based on the above-mentioned information, it has been concluded that the performance enhancement of such fin designs employing genetic algorithm approaches and response surface methodology, at about ۳۸.۲%, shows potential for enhancing design and optimization methods to boost energy storage.

کلیدواژه ها:

Heat transfer ، phase change materials ، latent heat energy storage ، Conduction heat transfer ، Optimizing PCM systems