Enhancing latent heat storage: Impact of geometric modifications, S-shaped enclosure walls, and L-shaped fins

This study explores the thermal performance and phase change behavior of five thermal energy storage (TES) models with varied geometric and design parameters, aiming to enhance heat transfer and storage efficiency.The impact of an innovative S-shaped heat source wall configuration and L-shaped fins on phase change dynamics was examined through numerical simulations, presenting a novel approach to enhancing TES system designs. Temperature distribution, transient PCM temperature, velocity fields, and liquid fraction evolution were analyzed to evaluate melting time, energy storage density ( SE m ), mean power ( P m ), and total heat storage capacity. The findings indicate that geometric enhancements and fin configurations significantly influence phase change performance. Model 01 exhibited the longest melting time of 11,040 s, whereas Model 05, with enhanced thinner (0.3 mm) and longer (112.3 mm) fins, achieved the shortest melting time of 2,720 s, reducing melting time by 75.36 %. Model 05 also demonstrated the highest SE m of 274.12 kJ/kg and Pm of 67.72 W, highlighting its superior thermal storage efficiency. These results emphasize the crucial role of fin geometry and enclosure profiles in improving TES system performance. • Developed enhanced TES models with L-shaped fins and an S-shaped heat source. • Examined the impact of geometric modifications on melting time. • Enhanced L-shaped fins inside the enclosures to achieve significant improvements. • Demonstrated increased energy storage density and improved thermal performance.