Boosting energy storage and recovery in shell-and-multitube latent heat storage systems through sunburst-distributed radial fins
Mohamed Ahmed Said, Hakim S. Sultan Aljibori, Azher M. Abed, Hussein Togun, Hayder I. Mohammed, Jasim M. Mahdi, Pouyan Talebizadehsardari, Nidhal Ben Khedher
Abstract
The worldwide need for sustainable energy solutions requires the improvement of latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) systems for efficient thermal response. This comprehensive study examines the impact of employing new sunburst-distributed radial fins on the thermal efficiency of phase change material (PCM) inside the shell-and-multitube LHTES system. The main goal is to address the intrinsic poor thermal conductivity of the PCM, which constrains energy charging and discharging rates. A two-dimensional model was developed employing the finite-volume method and the enthalpy-porosity approach to simulate the melting and solidification of PCM. The model was tested using experimental data from relevant literature. The effects of alerting the fin geometrical parameters, including the number, length, and distribution were parametrically quantified and reported. The results reveal that the new sunburst-distributed radial fin configuration can substantially surpass traditional fin configurations. The findings indicate that augmenting the fin count from 4 to 8 reduces the melting duration by 40.5 % and improves the heat retention rate by 71.5 %. Lengthening the fins saves solidification time by 48.1 % and enhances heat recovery rate by 91.6 %. The innovative sunburst-distributed radial fin arrangement (Case 7) cuts the melting time by 19.14 % and enhances heat storage capacity by 21.57 % vs to conventional long-fin designs. These findings significantly advance LHTES system design, offering quantitative insights into optimizing fin geometry for enhanced thermal performance. • Optimized radial fins cut melting time 40.5 %, and boost heat storage by 71.5 %. • Longer fins promote 48.1 % faster solidification, and 91.6 % better heat recovery. • Novel sunburst-distributed fins: 19.14 % faster melting, 21.57 % better heat storage. • Analysis identified optimal fin geometries for shell-and-multitube thermal storage.