Applying artificial intelligence for spiral blade pitch distance optimization installed on the tubes containing nanofluid embedded in PCM-filled solar panel: A two-phase simulation model

The use of phase change materials (PCMs) to store energy in solar systems can be very useful to augment their efficiency. This paper presents a numerical study on the effect of using PCM in a thermal solar panel system. Four tubes containing alumina/water nanofluids (NFs) flow are used in this system, and NFs flow is analyzed. A spiral blade is employed on the tubes. By changing the pitch distance (d-P) of the spiral blade, the variations of the molten PCM (MPCM) and the temperature of different components of the solar system are determined transiently for 25 min. The numerical study is carried out using the FEM. The results demonstrate that the outlet temperature (T-O) is enhanced from 293 K at time 0 s to a temperature of more than 327 K at 1500s. The value of the heat transfer coefficient (HTC) reaches a value of more than 44 W/m2K up to 25 min. The value of the HTC is lower most of the time for a d-P of 20 mm than other distances. Changing the d-P from 20 to 30 mm can vary the T-O by 0.5 degrees. The minimum of MPCM corresponds to a d-P of 20 mm.