Improved melting and solidification in thermal energy storage through topology optimization of highly conductive fins
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution
Authors
Colleges, School and Institutes
External organisations
- Politecnico di Torino
Abstract
Thermal energy storage units based on phase change materials (PCMs) need a fine design of highly conductive fins to improve the average heat transfer rate. In this paper, we seek the optimal distribution of a highly conductive material embedded in a PCM through a density-based topology optimization method. The phase change problem is solved through an enthalpy-porosity model, which accounts for natural convection in the fluid. Results show fundamental differences in the optimized layout between the solidification and the melting case. Fins optimized for solidification show a quasi-periodic pattern along the angular direction. On the other hand, fins optimized for melting elongate mostly in the bottom part of the unit leaving only two short baffles at the top. In both cases, the optimized structures show non-intuitive details which could not be obtained neglecting fluid flow. These additional features reduce the solidification and melting time by 11 % and 27 % respectively compared to a structure optimized for diffusion.
Details
Original language | English |
---|---|
Title of host publication | Aerospace Heat Transfer; Computational Heat Transfer; Education; Environmental Heat Transfer; Fire and Combustion Systems; Gas Turbine Heat Transfer; Heat Transfer in Electronic Equipment; Heat Transfer in Energy Systems |
Publication status | Published - 9 Jul 2017 |
Event | ASME 2017 Heat Transfer Summer Conference, HT 2017 - Bellevue, United States Duration: 9 Jul 2017 → 12 Jul 2017 |
Publication series
Name | ASME 2017 Heat Transfer Summer Conference |
---|---|
Volume | 1 |
Conference
Conference | ASME 2017 Heat Transfer Summer Conference, HT 2017 |
---|---|
Country | United States |
City | Bellevue |
Period | 9/07/17 → 12/07/17 |