Research Article Open Access

MELTING OF PCM BY ELLIPTICAL AND CIRCULAR FINS IN THE CYLINDRICAL THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE

Abstract

The use of phase change materials (PCMs) is an effective method of storing thermal energy. The PCM used in the present study is paraffin wax and the heat transfer fluid (HTF) is water. A horizontal cylinder of 50 mm outer diameter with 3 mm thick and 1000 mm length is used as the thermal storage unit. A copper pipe of 16 mm outer diameter with 2 mm thick and 1000 mm length is kept inside the cylinder and HTF is passed through the copper tube. Experiments were performed for different inlet temperatures of HTF from 60°C to 80°C. The HTF mass flow rate are 2 – 10 kg/ min. The melting time and charging efficiency are determined for the circular and elliptical fin profiles protruded into the PCM. The effect of the inlet HTF temperature and flow rate on the melting of PCM are studied. The elliptical fins provide the faster melting over the circular fins.

RAMALINGAM SENTHIL AND UDHAYAKUMAR BALAJI

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