Validation of Numerical Models for Nano-Enhanced PCM Thermal Performance Using Published Experimental and Numerical Results

Abstract: Nano-enhanced phase change materials (NEPCMs) provide a great solution to the shortcomings of traditional latent heat storage thermal energy storage systems, especially in the enhancement of heat transfer rate. However, the accuracy of numerical models that simulate NEPCM performance is still not assured because of the limited experience in validations with experimental and benchmark studies. This study achieves that by validating a control volume-based numerical model of NEPCMs-i.e. with CuO and graphene oxide nanoparticles-against six peer-reviewed experimental and numerical references. The methodology consists of graphical overlays and quantitative analyses based on RMSE, , and paired t-tests of most important thermal metrics: melt fraction, solid fraction, and radial temperature distribution. The results show a good predictive accuracy results 0.96 (no statistically significant differences (p 0.05) were found of the proposed and reference data). These findings validate the fidelity and usefulness of the model in actual energy applications. The study suggests wider application of validated models in policy and system design and integration with experimental data in future to obtain better robustness in operating conditions at later stage. Keywords: Energy Storage Validation, Melt Fraction Analysis, Nano-Enhanced Phase Change Materials (NEPCMs), Numerical Model Benchmarking, Solidification Dynamics, Thermal Performance Simulation. Title: Validation of Numerical Models for Nano-Enhanced PCM Thermal Performance Using Published Experimental and Numerical Results Author: Awuor Misawo, Onyango T. T. Mboya, Fredrick O. Nyamwala International Journal of Recent Research in Mathematics Computer Science and Information Technology ISSN 2350-1022 Vol. 12, Issue 2, October 2025 - March 2026 Page No: 16-25 Paper Publications Website: www.paperpublications.org Published Date: 25-November-2025 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17711604 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.paperpublications.org/upload/book/Validation%20of%20Numerical%20Models%20for%20Nano-Enhanced-25112025-3.pdf