Performance Enhancement of Shell and Tube Latent Thermal Storage System Using Copper Foam

Latent Heat Thermal Storage (LHTS) based on Phase Change materials (PCMs) offers a promising solution for efficient utilization of intermittent energy from renewable sources. The primary limitation is the poor thermal conductivity PCMs, which requires employing performance enhancement techniques. To enhance PCM storage, copper foam with high porosity embedded PCM. A numerical simulation model has been developed to investigate behavior two LHTS shell and tube configurations: pure PCM-LHTS (conventional LHTS) - copper-foam composite (foamed LHTS). effect heat transfer fluid (HTF) temperature response during charging process was considered. results showed that length melting time foamed shorten about 82% as compared conventional under conditions HTF 70°C flow rate 0.083 kg/sec. show when initial changed 75°C then 80°C, total enhanced by 33 % 29%, respectively. Based variation liquid fraction PCM, improved charged load without foam.