Structural fin configurations for enhanced thermal performance of latent heat storage in building heating applications

Latent thermal energy storage (LTES) systems utilizing PCMs offer significant advantages for building thermal management applications, but their widespread implementation is hindered by the inherently low thermal conductivity of most PCMs, resulting in prolonged charging and discharging times. This study explores novel structural fin configurations to enhance the thermal performance of shell-and-tube LTES systems for building heating applications. The research employs numerical simulation using the enthalpy-porosity method to analyse seven distinct fin configurations, progressing from simple star-shaped designs to complex multi-branch structures, with particular emphasis on fin geometry optimization and fin-to-wall distance effects. The evolution from a basic star-shaped fin to an optimized multi-branch cross-shaped design with 2 mm fin-to-wall distance demonstrates substantial performance improvements: 40 % reduction in melting time, 65.2 % increase in heat storage rate, 61.5 % decrease in solidification time, and 169.7 % increase in heat discharge rate compared to conventional longitudinal fins. These findings validate the practical significance of fin optimization in enhancing LTES system responsiveness and efficiency, providing a foundation for the widespread deployment of latent heat storage technologies in building heating applications. • Novel structural fin designs to enhance thermal storage performance. • Optimized fin-to-wall distance reduces PCM melting time by 28.1 %. • Structural fins boost heat storage rate by 65.2 % over conventional ones. • Solidification time reduced by 61.5 % with optimized fin configuration.