Research on the influence of fin structure on phase change energy storage characteristics of triplex tube latent heat storage system
Latent heat storage has the characteristics of high energy density under near constant temperature conditions,which can effectively solve the problem of supply and demand mismatch in solar energy utilization.Based on the enthalpy-porosity method,this paper numerically studies the phase change energy storage characteristics of a triplex-tube latent heat storage system.The influence of the number,size and structure of fins on the process of phase change energy storage was analyzed.The results indicate that the melting rate of phase change materials increases with the increase of number and size of fins.When the number of fins is 8 and the size of straight fin is 37.2mm and 49.6mm,respectively,the complete melting time of phase change materials is shortened by 60.1%and 68%compared to those without fins,respectively,and the average heat storage rate is increased by 141.3%and 197%,respectively.Compared with straight fins,the melting time of phase change materials under the Y-shaped fin structure is significantly reduced.When the opening and closing angle of the Y-shaped fin is 120°,the complete melting time is only 60.89%of that of the straight fin structure under the same heat transfer area,and the average heat storage rate is 64.23%higher than that of the straight fin structure.Reasonable arrangement of fin structures can shorten the total melting time of phase change materials and enhance the phase change energy storage characteristics of a triplex-tube latent heat energy storage system.