Numerical investigation of a Triplex Tube Heat Exchanger in presence of fins and multiple porous media

With increasing demand for renewable resources, turning to more advanced options is imperative. As of late, researchers are on course to compensate for sporadicity of such resources by employment of phase change materials (PCMs). Despite their advantages, especially their characteristic of storing energy in high throughputs, PCMs tend to suffer from insufficient thermal conductivity bringing about prolonged transition duration. To address this issue, this study concentrated on two parameters associated with fins addition and porous media applicability in an attempt to distinguish their alone and combined effectiveness in a melting process within a triple concentric tube heat exchanger (TCTHX). Ansys Fluent 16.0 has been exercised for simulation of given system. The results provided by multiple scenarios underscored the significance of natural convection in bare system, although finned and copper-metal-foam cases outperformed buoyancy forces by almost 45% and 97%, respectively. Material is a major determent when it comes to selection of porous media as Al2O3 registered the weakest performance among SiC, Ni and Cu, however, it managed to speed up the process by 75% which still is much higher than finned case, implying that porous media is of higher priority over fins. The best scenario occurred when fins and copper metal foam were integrated as 26% and 97% jumps in efficacy has been achieved compared to individual incorporation of porous media and fins, respectively.

Numerical investigation of a Triplex Tube Heat Exchanger in presence of fins and multiple porous media Keywords:

Energy Storage , TCTHX , Fins , Melting Evolution , Porous Media