Improving thermal energy storage system performance with innovative honeycomb fins

Thermal Energy Storage using Latent Heat (TES-LH) systems offers a promising solution for mitigating the intermittency of solar energy and meeting growing energy demands. However, the low thermal conductivity of storage materials poses a challenge to their efficiency. This study introduces an innovative approach by incorporating hexagonal honeycomb annular fins into TES-LH devices to enhance heat transfer performance. CFD simulations were conducted using ANSYS Fluent to analyze a tubular TES-LH device equipped with these fins and a phase-change material (PCM). The parametric analysis focused on the effect of hexagonal cell thickness and length on PCM melting time. The new design was compared with conventional TES-LH units, and the influence of Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF) inlet parameters, such as temperature and flow rate, on PCM melting time was investigated. The results reveal that the honeycomb fin design significantly improves heat transfer, reducing PCM melting time from 840 s in the conventional setup to 216 s. This improvement is attributed to the increased surface area provided by the fins, enhancing the overall efficiency of the TES-LH system. Additionally, the impact of HTF inlet temperature and velocity on PCM melting time are highlighted. These findings demonstrate the potential for significant advancements in TES-LH systems, making them more efficient for real-world applications.