Magnetohydrodynamic double diffusion natural convection of power-law Non-Newtonian Nano-Encapsulated phase change materials in a trapezoidal enclosure

Purpose

The present numerical investigation examines the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) double diffusion natural convection of power-law non-Newtonian nano-encapsulated phase change materials (NEPCMs) in a trapezoidal cavity.

Design/methodology/approach

The governing Navier-Stokes, energy and concentration equations based on the Cartesian curvilinear coordinates are solved using the collocated grid arrangement’s finite volume method. The in-house FORTRAN code is validated with the different benchmark problems. The NEPCM nanoparticles consist of a core-shell structure with Phase Change Material (PCM) at the core. The enclosure, shaped as a trapezoidal hollow, features a warmed (T_h) left wall and a cold (T_c) right wall. Various parameters are considered, including the power law index (0.6 ≤ n ≤ 1.4), Hartmann number (0 ≤ Ha ≤ 30), Rayleigh number (10⁴ ≤ Ra ≤ 10⁵) and fixed variables such as buoyancy ratio (Br = 0.8), Prandtl number (Pr = 6.2), Lewis number (Le = 5), fusion temperature (Θ_f = 0.5) and volume fraction (ϕ = 0.04).

Findings

The findings indicate a decrease in local Nusselt (Nu) and Sherwood (Sh) numbers with increasing Hartmann numbers (Ha). Additionally, for a shear-thinning fluid (n = 0.6) results in the maximum local Nu and Sh values. As the Rayleigh number (Ra) increases from 10⁴ to 10⁵, the structured vortex in the streamline pattern is disturbed. Furthermore, for different Ra values, an increase in n from 0.6 to 1.4 leads to a 67.43% to 76.88% decrease in average Nu and a 70% to 77% decrease in average Sh.

Research limitations/implications

This research is for two-dimensioal laminar flow only.

Practical implications

PCMs represent a class of practical substances that behave as a function of temperature and have the innate ability to absorb, release and store heated energy in the form of hidden fusion enthalpy, or heat. They are valuable in these systems as they can store significant energy at a relatively constant temperature through their latent heat phase change.

Originality/value

As per the literature review and the authors’ understanding, an examination has never been conducted on MHD double diffusion natural convection of power-law non-Newtonian NEPCMs within a trapezoidal enclosure. The current work is innovative since it combines NEPCMs with the effect of magnetic field Double diffusion Natural Convection of power-law non-Newtonian NEPCMs in a Trapezoidal enclosure. This outcome can be used to improve thermal management in energy storage systems, increasing safety and effectiveness.