Work

Numerical investigation of solidification enhancement in thermal energy storage systems using ternary nanoparticles and geometric undulations and amplitude

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: High-capacity energy storage is best achieved with Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage Systems, particularly during the liquid-to-solid phase transition. This paper investigates the Ternary Nano-Enhanced Phase Change Material solidification process in a Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage Systems. The Phase Change Material which includes Al 2 O 3 -TiO 2 -Cu ternary nanoparticles has been dissolved in water to improve the system's thermal conductivity. The ternary nanoparticles' shape and the inner wall's geometrical features (the number and amplitude of undulations) are used as model factors to examine how they affect the solidification process. The study illustrates the heat and mass transport during solidification using the Finite Element Method. The findings show that one can could reduce the system's average temperature and total energy while raising the solid percentage by increasing the number and amplitude of the undulations. Additionally, a relationship was proposed connecting the amplitude, number of undulations, and shape of the nanoparticle to the total solidification time. The nanoparticle shape factor plays a crucial role in improving the solidification process by increasing heat transfer efficiency, which lowers the average temperature, raises the solid fraction, and reduces total energy in the system.

Source: Heliyon

DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2025.e44224

Authors: Reza Kaj, Mehdi Nakisa, Masoud Rabeti, Mohsen Ahi

Institutions: Islamic Azad University, Bushehr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran

Language: English

Topic: Phase Change Materials Research

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,270