Natural convection topology optimization for heat transfer enhancement in latent heat storage systems: Continuation scheme and bi-objective design

To achieve efficient thermal conduction and stable output in airborne high-energy weaponry energy storage cooling systems, this study conducts topological optimization design targeting three objective functions: maximizing average temperature, minimizing temperature variance, and minimizing thermal compliance. Natural convection topological fins are generated in a vertical two-dimensional domain using a impermeability continuation scheme. Employing the enthalpy–porosity method, we perform a comprehensive comparison among convective topological fins under various impermeability settings, pure conduction topological fins, and straight fins. New topological fins are also constructed via a bi-objective function that combines maximum average temperature and minimum temperature variance, followed by a simulation-based comparative analysis. The results demonstrate that the continuation scheme ensures good scalability and numerical stability, making the optimization process more practically feasible. It not only brings the design closer to the optimization objectives but also can improve melting rates. Compared with pure conduction topological fins, the proposed designs gain more benefits from natural convection while mitigating its adverse effects. Even against geometrically superior straight fins, the convection topological fins exhibit faster melting rates, more stable temperature rise, and improved temperature uniformity. Furthermore, the bi-objective optimization retains the advantages of single-objective strategies while addressing their limitations, ultimately leading to designs with superior overall performance. • Impermeability continuation scheme achieves superior optimization designs. • Convection topological fins outperform conductive fins by harnessing convection. • Objectively assesses performance against optimized straight fins. • Bi-objective design integrates strengths for superior overall performance.