Effect of inner-tube spacing on charging and discharging performance of latent energy storage heat exchangers

The inner-tube arrangement has an important impact on the performance of latent thermal energy storage heat exchangers, but effect spacing not been widely concerned. This study simulated numerically charging and discharging processes horizontal dual-inner-tube exchangers researched effects parameters exchangers. studied included phase change time material, rate, rate. results show, as increases, decreases first then both rate increase decrease. Moreover, a more pronounced process than process. Among all cases, are optimal when is 20 mm. Compared with case whose 5 mm, melting mostly shortens by 5.78%, increases 5.48% for heating temperature 80℃. Additionally, solidification 38.68% 60.49% cooling 20℃. Furthermore, doesn’t affect performance, also can’t be influenced temperature. research have certain reference value design its engineering application.