Advancing PCM thermal energy storage: the impact of heat exchanger design and operating conditions

Semnani Nejad, Mojtaba; Khaghani, Ahad; Rostamiyan, Yasser; Asghari, Morteza

doi:10.22075/jpetk.2025.36200.1021

Advancing PCM thermal energy storage: the impact of heat exchanger design and operating conditions

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Mojtaba Semnani Nejad ¹

Ahad Khaghani ²

Yasser Rostamiyan ¹

Morteza Asghari ³

¹ Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sari Branch, Islamic Azad University, Sari, Iran

² Separation Processes Research Group (SPRG), Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Science and Technology of Mazandaran, Iran

³ University of Science and Technology of Mazandaran

10.22075/jpetk.2025.36200.1021

Abstract

This study explores the melting behavior of phase change materials (PCMs) within a triple-tube heat exchanger (TTHX), focusing on the effects of fin geometry, heat exchanger material, and heat transfer fluid (HTF) temperature. A numerical investigation using the enthalpy-porosity technique was performed to evaluate the thermal performance of the system. Results indicate that increasing the number of fins significantly reduces the melting time by enhancing the heat transfer surface area. Among various materials that were tested, copper exhibited the highest thermal conductivity, achieving the fastest melting time and most uniform temperature distribution. Furthermore, raising the heat transfer fluid temperature from 86°C to 98°C reduced the melting time by over 60%, emphasizing the critical role of fluid temperature in the phase change process. These findings provide insights into the design and optimization of phase change material (PCM)-based thermal energy storage systems for applications in building energy management and renewable energy systems.

Highlights

Keywords

Phase change materials

Heat exchanger

Energy storage

Paraffin melting

Copper fins