Numerical investigation of the influence of mushy zone parameter Amush on heat transfer characteristics in vertically and horizontally oriented thermal energy storage systems
posted on 2019-02-07, 10:08authored byMohamed Fadl, Philip C. Eames
The effect of the value used for the mushy zone parameter (Amush) on predicted heat transfer and melting characteristics of a phase change material (PCM) Lauric acid, in both vertical and horizontal enclosures was studied. There is a lack of clarity regarding which value of this parameter should be used for accurate simulations of phase change heat transfer, addressing this will aid in accurate simulation and design of systems for LHTES (Latent heat thermal energy storage). The numerical analysis undertaken used a commercial CFD code ANSYS FLUENT 18.2 and the enthalpy-porosity formulation. The range of mushy zone parameter used was from 105 to 107. The predicted locations of the melt front were compared to published experimental data available in the literature. The simulations provided quantitative information about the amount of energy stored and the melt fraction and providing improved understanding of the heat transfer process. Comparison between predictions using different values of Amush, and experimental data showed that correct selection of the value of Amush to be used in the momentum equations is an important parameter for accurate modelling of LHTES and has a significant influence on the solid-liquid interface shape and progression. The study reveals that increasing the value of Amush leads to a decrease in fluid velocity, decreasing convection and the rate of heat transfer, therefore, proper selection of the mushy zone parameter is necessary to accurately simulate LHTES systems and provide a better understanding of the phase change behaviour and heat transfer characteristics.
Funding
The authors are grateful to the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) for funding this work through Grant reference EP/N021304/1.
History
School
Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering
Published in
Applied Thermal Engineering
Citation
FADL, M.S. and EAMES, P.C., 2019. Numerical investigation of the influence of mushy zone parameter Amush on heat transfer characteristics in vertically and horizontally oriented thermal energy storage systems. Applied Thermal Engineering, 151, pp.90-99.
This work is made available according to the conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) licence. Full details of this licence are available at: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/ by/4.0/
Acceptance date
2019-01-29
Publication date
2019-01-30
Notes
This is an Open Access Article. It is published by Elsevier under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International Licence (CC BY). Full details of this licence are available at: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/