Numerical Simulation Study of Heat Transfer Fluid Boiling Effects on Phase Change Material in Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage Units
The innovation in thermal storage systems for solar thermal power generation is crucial for achieving efficient utilization of new energy sources. Molten salt has been extensively studied as a phase change material (PCM) for latent heat thermal energy storage systems. In this study, a two-dimensiona...
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MDPI AG
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Energies |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/14/3836 |
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| author | Minghao Yu Xun Zheng Jing Liu Dong Niu Huaqiang Liu Hongtao Gao |
| author_facet | Minghao Yu Xun Zheng Jing Liu Dong Niu Huaqiang Liu Hongtao Gao |
| author_sort | Minghao Yu |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The innovation in thermal storage systems for solar thermal power generation is crucial for achieving efficient utilization of new energy sources. Molten salt has been extensively studied as a phase change material (PCM) for latent heat thermal energy storage systems. In this study, a two-dimensional model of a vertical shell-and-tube heat exchanger is developed, utilizing water-steam as the heat transfer fluid (HTF) and phase change material for heat transfer analysis. Through numerical simulations, we explore the interplay between PCM solidification and HTF boiling. The transient results show that tube length affects water boiling duration and PCM solidification thickness. Higher heat transfer fluid flow rates lower solidified PCM temperatures, while lower heat transfer fluid inlet temperatures delay boiling and shorten durations, forming thicker PCM solidification layers. Adding fins to the tube wall boosts heat transfer efficiency by increasing contact area with the phase change material. This extension of boiling time facilitates greater PCM solidification, although it may not always optimize the alignment of bundles within the thermal energy storage system. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-c6693dfbb6ed4999b2d9752602e44b5c |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 1996-1073 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Energies |
| spelling | doaj-art-c6693dfbb6ed4999b2d9752602e44b5c2025-08-20T03:35:28ZengMDPI AGEnergies1996-10732025-07-011814383610.3390/en18143836Numerical Simulation Study of Heat Transfer Fluid Boiling Effects on Phase Change Material in Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage UnitsMinghao Yu0Xun Zheng1Jing Liu2Dong Niu3Huaqiang Liu4Hongtao Gao5Department of Energy and Power Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, ChinaDepartment of Energy and Power Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, ChinaCollege of Ocean and Civil Engineering, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian 116023, ChinaDepartment of Energy and Power Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, ChinaDepartment of Energy and Power Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, ChinaDepartment of Energy and Power Engineering, Dalian Maritime University, Dalian 116026, ChinaThe innovation in thermal storage systems for solar thermal power generation is crucial for achieving efficient utilization of new energy sources. Molten salt has been extensively studied as a phase change material (PCM) for latent heat thermal energy storage systems. In this study, a two-dimensional model of a vertical shell-and-tube heat exchanger is developed, utilizing water-steam as the heat transfer fluid (HTF) and phase change material for heat transfer analysis. Through numerical simulations, we explore the interplay between PCM solidification and HTF boiling. The transient results show that tube length affects water boiling duration and PCM solidification thickness. Higher heat transfer fluid flow rates lower solidified PCM temperatures, while lower heat transfer fluid inlet temperatures delay boiling and shorten durations, forming thicker PCM solidification layers. Adding fins to the tube wall boosts heat transfer efficiency by increasing contact area with the phase change material. This extension of boiling time facilitates greater PCM solidification, although it may not always optimize the alignment of bundles within the thermal energy storage system.https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/14/3836thermal energy storagephase change materialflow boilingdischarging performancenumerical simulation |
| spellingShingle | Minghao Yu Xun Zheng Jing Liu Dong Niu Huaqiang Liu Hongtao Gao Numerical Simulation Study of Heat Transfer Fluid Boiling Effects on Phase Change Material in Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage Units Energies thermal energy storage phase change material flow boiling discharging performance numerical simulation |
| title | Numerical Simulation Study of Heat Transfer Fluid Boiling Effects on Phase Change Material in Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage Units |
| title_full | Numerical Simulation Study of Heat Transfer Fluid Boiling Effects on Phase Change Material in Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage Units |
| title_fullStr | Numerical Simulation Study of Heat Transfer Fluid Boiling Effects on Phase Change Material in Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage Units |
| title_full_unstemmed | Numerical Simulation Study of Heat Transfer Fluid Boiling Effects on Phase Change Material in Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage Units |
| title_short | Numerical Simulation Study of Heat Transfer Fluid Boiling Effects on Phase Change Material in Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage Units |
| title_sort | numerical simulation study of heat transfer fluid boiling effects on phase change material in latent heat thermal energy storage units |
| topic | thermal energy storage phase change material flow boiling discharging performance numerical simulation |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/18/14/3836 |
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