Numerical investigation of a new fin configuration in a PCM-filled triplex tube heat exchanger incorporating nanoparticles

Abstract

This study evaluates the thermal performance of phase change material (PCM) in a triplex tube heat exchanger (TTHE) integrated with flat-plate solar collectors. To enhance the PCM melting rate, the heat exchanger system incorporates newly designed fin geometries and nanoparticle additives. A numerical parametric analysis was conducted to evaluate the effects of fin dimensions (length and thickness) in conjunction with average temperature, liquid fraction, and various nanofluids (Al2O3, CuO, and TiO2). Model validation was performed by comparing the predicted temperature distribution with previously published numerical and experimental data, thereby confirming the model’s reliability. The results indicate that adding Al2O3 nanoparticles improves the melting rate by 31.6%, while the optimized fin geometry enhances heat distribution and reduces the melting time by 32.5% compared to conventional configurations. These findings contribute to the development of more efficient latent heat thermal energy storage systems (LTES). Additionally, preliminary integration of a circulation system and learning mechanism is proposed as a promising approach for future performance enhancement.