Numerical Simulation of Effect of Inclination Angle on Heat Storage Properties of Phase Change Paraffin

Abstract

In order to explore the heat storage properties of phase change paraffin, a calculation model for melting heat storage of phase change paraffin was established based on the equivalent heat capacity method. A finite element software (COMSOL) was used to study the influence of different inclination angles on heat storage properties of phase change paraffin. The results show that the melting process of phase change paraffin is determined by heat conduction and natural convection heat transfer, natural convection heat transfer plays a significant role in the process of heat storage in phase change paraffin. Phase change paraffin exhibits distinct melting heat storage efficiency under different inclination angles. When changes from -90° to 90°, the melting time of paraffin decreases gradually. When , the melting time of paraffin is the slowest, when , the melting time of paraffin is the fastest, and the melting speed of paraffin is increased by about 8.6 times.