Melting process of PCM with Carreau – Yasuda non-Newtonian behavior in a shell and tube heat exchanger occupied by anisotropic porous medium

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to evaluate the melting process of the phase-change RT-35 material in a shell and tube heat exchanger saturated with a porous medium. Titanium porous media with isotropic and inhomogeneous structures are studied. The considered tubes in the shell and tube exchanger are made of copper with specific thicknesses. The phase-change material has a non-Newtonian behavior and follows the endorsed Carreau–Yasuda Model. Design/methodology/approach The enthalpy–porosity method is used for modeling of the melting process. The governing equations were transferred to their dimensionless forms. Finally, the equations are solved by applying the Galerkin finite element method. Findings The findings for different values of the relative permeability (K*) and permeability deviation angle (λ) are represented in the forms of charts, streamlines and constant temperature contours. The considerable effects of the relative permeability (K*) and deviation angle (λ) on the flow line patterns of the melting phase-change material are some of the significant achievements of this works. Originality/value This study was conducted using data from relevant research articles provided by reputable academic sources. The data included in this manuscript have not been published previously and are not under consideration by any other journal.