Sensitivity analysis of design parameters for melting process of lauric acid in the vertically and horizontally oriented rectangular thermal storage units

Widespread commercialization of PCM-based latent heat storage systems is limited by the low melting and solidification rates during phase transition process. In this study, fins are used to enhance change A parametric study conducted understand effect on thermal performance vertically- horizontally-oriented rectangular tanks. Throughout simulations, fin volume, thereby mass PCM in tank, were kept constant. It was observed that horizontal enclosures can take advantage development strong natural convection flow until near end process, whereas with vertical counterparts strength currents diminished shrinkage stage. The results suggest longer thinner more beneficial for enhancing rate than shorter thicker fins. concluded lengths 25 35 mm, increasing number does not necessarily shorten time. maximum time reduction compared 3-fin enclosure a length mm (chosen as our benchmark case) 75.1% when nine 45-mm-long enclosure. • Melting vertically horizontally oriented investigated. Different configurations employed storage. Energy outperforms Longer Nusselt decreases increase number.