Modelling and Evaluation of Heat Transfer Enhancement in PCM-Based Energy Storage

Phase Change Materials (PCMs) are widely used in thermal energy storage systems due to their high latent heat capacity. However, their inherently low thermal conductivity limits the rate of heat transfer during charging and discharging cycles. This study investigates the enhancement of heat transfer in latent heat storage (LHS) units through the integration of internal fins. Two distinct LHS configurations with embedded U-tube heat exchangers and internal fins were modelled using COMSOL Multiphysics. A transient thermal analysis was conducted over a 12-hour period, focusing on temperature distribution, phase transition dynamics, melting fractions, and total stored thermal energy. Results show that the addition and configuration of internal fins significantly affect the thermal performance of the system. Comparative analysis between the models demonstrates improved melting rates and energy storage in the optimized design. This work contributes valuable insights into the design of efficient PCM-based thermal storage systems for renewable energy applications.