Numerical Study on Enhanced Heat Transfer of Shell-and-Tube Latent Heat Storage Units with Eccentric Arrangement

目前，相变储热技术得益于储热密度高，温度变化稳定以及安全可靠等优势，展现出广阔的应用前景。然而，该技术仍具有传热速率较慢的问题，严重制约了其工程化应用与性能提升。为实现强化换热的目标，提升相变储热单元的传热速率，本文通过等效热容法模拟相变储热单元熔化过程，首先设置规则肋片以探究对于相变材料熔化过程的具体影响。其次再进行偏心布置对于相变储热单元熔化过程的具体影响。结果表明，肋片可以有效提升相变储热单元熔化速率，偏心布置将进一步强化换热。这些研究内容进一步提升相变储热系统的综合性能，为相变储热单元的高效利用与结构优化设计奠定了理论基础。At present, latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) technology has demonstrated broad application prospects due to its advantages of high energy storage density, stable operating temperature, and reliable safety performance. However, the relatively slow heat transfer rate remains a major limitation, severely restricting its engineering applications and further performance improvements. To achieve enhanced heat transfer and improve the thermal response rate of LHTES units, this study employs the effective heat capacity method to numerically simulate the melting process within a shell-and-tube latent heat storage unit. Initially, conventional fin configurations are introduced to investigate their specific effects on the melting characteristics of phase change materials (PCMs). Subsequently, the influence of eccentric tube arrangements on the melting process is further analyzed. The results indicate that fins can significantly accelerate the melting rate, and eccentric arrangements further enhance the overall heat transfer performance. These findings not only improve the comprehensive performance of LHTES systems but also provide a theoretical foundation for the efficient utilization and structural optimization of latent heat storage units.