Numerical simulation of heat transfer behaviour of a twisted pipe containing a phase change material

Abstract

Abstract: Three dimensional unsteady-state modeling has been performed on the heat transfer behavior of a heat exchange system made of both a straight and a twisted pipe containing a phase change material(PCM). Natural convection was considered in the modeling. Effects of various factors including fluid velocity, inlet temperature and the configuration of the pipe inlet were examined. The results showed that, given the amount of PCM, the melting time of the twisted pipe heat exchange system was over 15% shorter than the straight pipe configuration. Analyses suggested the secondary flow induced by the twisted pipe as well as the increased heat exchange surface area be the main reasons for the reduction in the melting time. The modeling results of the straight pipe show a deviation from the measurement, but the trend agrees fairly well. This indicates that the modeling results could serve as a guidance for the design and optimization of the phase change heat exchange systems.

Key words: phase change material, thermal energy storage exchanger, twisted pipe, numerical simulation

CLC Number:

TK02

WANG Peilun, PENG Zhijian, WANG Xiang, DING Yulong. Numerical simulation of heat transfer behaviour of a twisted pipe containing a phase change material[J]. Energy Storage Science and Technology, 2012, 1(2): 116-122.

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