Simulation and optimization of square fin concentric tube heat storage exchanger

Abstract

The square fin was used to improve the heat transfer rate of the concentric tube phase change heat exchanger. The effects of fin spacing, fin arrangement, and fin length on the melting process of phase change material (PCM) were studied. The influence and mechanism of non-uniform fin arrangement were discussed in detail. The liquid phase distribution and temperature distribution of PCM with time were analyzed. The results indicated that the heat exchanger with square fins can significantly improve the heat storage rate and shortened the complete melting time of PCM. Compared with heat exchangers without fins, the melting time of PCM in a 40 mm equidistant fin heat exchanger was shortened by 15.85%, and that in a 70 mm, non-uniformly spaced fin heat exchanger was shortened by 36.79%. Due to the different distances between the square fins and the outer boundary of the concentric tube, the temperature distribution near the square fin showed anisotropy, which enhanced the melting rate of PCM. The sensitivity order was fin arrangement > fin length > fin spacing. The research results can provide a reference for the design of phase change heat exchangers.