Heat transfer performance analysis for a novel shell-and-tube fin storage unit

Heat storage systems have great significance for solving solar energy supply and demand imbalance. The fin plays an important role in improving the heat transfer performance of heat storage systems. In this study, based on the traditional longitudinal and various fin shapes, a novel fin has been proposed to be used to improve the performance of a storage unit. The study investigates the melting process of phase change material (PCM) in the storage tank and the effects of fin angle, fin number, and fin thickness on the melting process of PCM. Based on heat transfer performance analysis, the study demonstrates this fin can accelerate the heat transfer process in the heat storage system compared with the traditional configuration. Compared with the finless configuration and the traditional longitudinal fin configuration, the total melting time of PCM is shortened by 80.4 % and 14.8 %, respectively, and the average heat storage rate improved by 79.3 % and 15.2 %, respectively. Also, changing the angle of the fin can reduce the melting time and improve the average heat storage rate of the PCM under the same volume ratio, and the optimum angle of the fin is 30 degrees and the optimum number of fin is 12. The results can provide a guide for enhancing the efficient utilization of solar energy.