AI-Enhanced Design of Hexagonal Shell and Finned Tube Latent Heat Storage System Using Nonuniform Longitudinal Fins and Nanomaterials During Melting

Thermal energy storage systems incorporating phase-change materials (PCMs) have difficulties associated with limited thermal conductivity, resulting in ineffective heat storage and retrieval. This study aims to enhance the efficiency of double-tube latent heat storage systems by utilizing a hexagonal shell augmented with irregular fins and nanomaterials. This study's innovation is optimizing the fin configuration and integrating nano-reinforced PCMs to enhance heat transmission during melting and solidification. The study initially examines the system's performance without reinforcement, demonstrating that traditional double-tube systems have superior storage rates. The impact of incorporating fins with an uneven angular distribution is examined, revealing that the 30°−35°−40°−45° design decreases the discharge time by 7.3% and enhances the energy storage rate by 6.0% relative to the normal 40° fins configuration. The outcomes state that the incorporation of 6% Al₂O₃ nanoparticles drops the charging time by 3.5% and enhances the heat storage rate by 22.5% relative to the 4% scenario. This study is significant as it introduces an innovative hexagonal shell design combined with nonuniform fins and nanomaterials to enhance the thermal performance of latent heat storage systems, addressing the critical challenge of low thermal conductivity in PCMs. The findings provide valuable insights for optimizing energy storage efficiency, which is essential for advancing renewable energy systems and sustainable thermal management solutions.