Study of effects of constructed fins on melting of PCM in helical coil heat exchanger
S.A. Marzouk, Fahad Awjah Almehmadi, Ahmad Aljabr, Maisa A. Sharaf, Tabish Alam, Dan Dobrotă
Abstract
The PCM melting process using a helical coil heat exchanger with a plain tube, longitudinal fins, and constructed fins is investigated. Water serves as the heat transfer fluid and paraffin wax as the PCM. A numerical simulation by Ansys Fluent software is conducted to study the liquid fraction and temperature of the PCM with time and the effectiveness of the melting process. The numerical results illustrate a 52 % and 65 % liquid fraction increase with longitudinal fins and constructed fins, respectively. The melting time can be shortened for longitudinal fins by 29 % and for constructed fins by 50 %. The effectiveness of the PCM melting process decreases over time due to the reduction in water outlet temperature. Constructed fins improve melting efficiency by increasing surface area and heat transfer. Radial melting starts at the tube wall, driven by conduction and convection. Fins on the tube surface enhance heat transfer, shorten melting time, and increase liquid fraction, improving the overall performance of the PCM melting process.