Numerical analysis of fin optimization for a shell-and-tube phase change energy storage heat exchanger

doi:10.19799/j.cnki.2095-4239.2024.0933

Abstract

Abstract:

The global energy crisis has driven substantial research efforts to enhance energy utilization efficiency and address supply-demand imbalances. Latent heat storage (LHS) systems, known for their high energy density and flexibility in energy storage and release, serve as a crucial solution to this challenge. Phase change heat exchangers play a vital role in improving the performance of LHS systems. This study aims to enhance the heat transfer efficiency of phase change heat exchangers by modifying conventional straight fins. Three fin structures (triangular, wavy, and square) were designed, along with three levels of eccentricity (10 mm, 15 mm, and 20 mm). The optimal fin structure was then combined with the most effective eccentricity. Using Fluent, a simulation analysis of thermal energy storage and cold storage models was conducted. The energy storage rate was quantitatively assessed based on the average energy storage time required for phase change materials per unit volume. The results indicate that square fins substantially enhance both heat and cold storages. Compared to the original straight fins, the heat storage rate is improved by 12.2%, while the cold storage rate increases by 9.2%. Additionally, introducing a downward eccentricity in straight fins improved the heat storage effect, with a 15 mm eccentricity yielding the best results (a 25% increase in heat storage rate compared to the original straight fins). However, downward eccentricity negatively impacted cold storage performance. By integrating the two optimal configurations (square fins and fins and a downward eccentricity of 15 mm) the heat storage rate was further enhanced by 28.2% compared to the original straight fins.

Key words: latent heat energy storage, phase change materials, heat exchanger, fin optimization, enhanced heat transfer

CLC Number:

TK 02

Bin YANG, Xiangjing YU, Yang ZHENG, Shixuan YANG, Qirong YANG, Daliang QIAO, Yang SUN, Youping LI. Numerical analysis of fin optimization for a shell-and-tube phase change energy storage heat exchanger[J]. Energy Storage Science and Technology, 2025, 14(4): 1394-1412.

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热物性	铜	水	RT50
比热容c_p /[J/(kg·K)]	381	4180	2000
热导率k/[W/(m·K)]	387.6	0.64	0.2
密度ρ/(kg/m³)	8978	989	780
潜热L/(J/kg)	—	—	168000
动态黏度μ/[kg/(m·s)]	—	5.77×10^-4	0.819e^-0.01546^T
固相线温度T_s/K	—	—	318
液相线温度T_l/K	—	—	324
热膨胀系数β/K^-1	—	—	0.0006

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