Numerical analysis of phase change material placement and temperature effects in cold storage systems

This study proposes a novel approach to enhance cold storage efficiency by analyzing the effect of different PCM packet placements using numerical simulations in ANSYS Fluent with a solidification/melting model. This study aims to evaluate the thermal performance of a cold storage system by analyzing the impact of different PCM placement layouts, as well as varying charging and discharging temperatures. The study focuses on the impact of PCM pallet placement arrangements (layouts), charging and discharging temperatures, on phase change processes to enhance energy storage and recovery. The PCM used is RT4 with a melting point of 4 °C, and simulations were conducted under varied charging (15 °C to 0 °C, −5 °C, −10 °C) and discharging (-5 °C, −10 °C, −15 °C) conditions to evaluate thermal behavior and energy efficiency. The liquid fraction plots further supported these conclusions and demonstrated that the phase change process in four side PCM placement layout was complete earlier in both charging and discharging modes By analysing different PCM placement layouts and cooling configurations, the system effectively maintains the optimal storage temperature range of 2 °C to 6 °C, minimizing post-harvest losses and ensuring energy efficiency.