Melting and solidification of a phase change material in a cylindrical container using a heating element with Y-shaped fins

One commonly used method to improve the rate of energy storage in phase change material (PCM) is the addition of fins. The literature employs various fin designs to facilitate the melting of PCM in horizontal cylindrical containers. This study experimentally introduces the potential of using a Y-shaped fin to melt and solidify PCM filled in a horizontal cylinder. The experimental history of PCM melting with and without these fins is recorded. In addition, the instantaneous local temperature distribution in the cylindrical tank filled with PCM is measured at two different melting temperatures of 70 o C and 80 o C. The results showed that adding this Y-shaped fin makes the melting behavior of the PCM in a horizontal cylindrical thermal energy storage container faster. For instance, after 3 hours of thermal energy charging with a heating fluid with a temperature of 80˚C, complete melting of the PCM is attained using Y-shaped fins. However, after this period, the PCM with a heating element without fins remains completely unmelted even after 7 hours. The proposed Y-shaped fin design ensures effective melting between the fin and the non-melted PCM at the bottom of the cylinder.