Enhancement of thermal performance through improved heat transfer uniformity in a vertical latent heat thermal energy storage unit via the combination of annular and snowflake fins

IF 5.4 3区工程技术 Q2 ENERGY & FUELS

Thermal Science and Engineering Progress Pub Date : 2025-09-30 DOI:10.1016/j.tsep.2025.104170

Mengxi Luo , Yongxue Zhang , Yangbin Nie , Bohui Lu , Shuzhen Liu , Jianxiong Luo

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

In the vertical latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) units, natural convection can cause non-uniform temperature distribution and variability in liquid phase distribution of the phase change materials (PCMs), adversely affecting charging and discharging rates. To mitigate this impact, a novel annular-snowflake fin is proposed in this study. After validating the numerical model, this study compares the 3D transient heat transfer behavior of annular fins, snowflake fins, and four arrangements of combined annular–snowflake fins during charging and discharging processes. Key aspects analyzed include liquid fraction evolution, liquid phase and temperature distributions contours, uniformity indices, and other thermal performance metrics. The results indicate that integrating snowflake fins and annular fins significantly enhances the consistency of the thermal behavior of PCMs. Specifically, in Case E with the annular–snowflake structure, the complete melting and solidification times are reduced by 47.52% and 27.94%, respectively, compared to annular fins. Relative to snowflake fins, the reductions are 15.81% and 24.32%. Additionally, the average powers for heat storage and release increase by 71.56% and 30.84%, respectively, relative to annular fins, while the improvements over snowflake fins are 14.80% and 37.17%.

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通过环形翅片和雪花翅片的组合改善垂直潜热储热单元的传热均匀性来增强热性能

在垂直潜热蓄热装置（LHTES）中，自然对流会导致相变材料（PCMs）的温度分布不均匀和液相分布变化，从而对充放电速率产生不利影响。为了减轻这种影响，本研究提出了一种新型环形雪花鳍。在验证了数值模型的基础上，对比了环形翅片、雪花翅片以及四种环形-雪花翅片组合布置在充放电过程中的三维瞬态换热行为。分析的关键方面包括液体馏分演变，液相和温度分布轮廓，均匀性指标和其他热性能指标。结果表明，将雪花翅片与环形翅片相结合可以显著提高复合材料热行为的一致性。其中，在环形雪花结构的情况E中，完全熔化和凝固时间分别比环形翅片减少了47.52%和27.94%。相对于雪花翅片，减少幅度分别为15.81%和24.32%。平均蓄热功率和平均放热功率分别比环形翅片提高了71.56%和30.84%，比雪花翅片提高了14.80%和37.17%。

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来源期刊

Thermal Science and Engineering Progress Chemical Engineering-Fluid Flow and Transfer Processes

CiteScore

7.20

自引率

10.40%

发文量

327

审稿时长

41 days

期刊介绍： Thermal Science and Engineering Progress (TSEP) publishes original, high-quality research articles that span activities ranging from fundamental scientific research and discussion of the more controversial thermodynamic theories, to developments in thermal engineering that are in many instances examples of the way scientists and engineers are addressing the challenges facing a growing population – smart cities and global warming – maximising thermodynamic efficiencies and minimising all heat losses. It is intended that these will be of current relevance and interest to industry, academia and other practitioners. It is evident that many specialised journals in thermal and, to some extent, in fluid disciplines tend to focus on topics that can be classified as fundamental in nature, or are ‘applied’ and near-market. Thermal Science and Engineering Progress will bridge the gap between these two areas, allowing authors to make an easy choice, should they or a journal editor feel that their papers are ‘out of scope’ when considering other journals. The range of topics covered by Thermal Science and Engineering Progress addresses the rapid rate of development being made in thermal transfer processes as they affect traditional fields, and important growth in the topical research areas of aerospace, thermal biological and medical systems, electronics and nano-technologies, renewable energy systems, food production (including agriculture), and the need to minimise man-made thermal impacts on climate change. Review articles on appropriate topics for TSEP are encouraged, although until TSEP is fully established, these will be limited in number. Before submitting such articles, please contact one of the Editors, or a member of the Editorial Advisory Board with an outline of your proposal and your expertise in the area of your review.