Analytical modeling of PCM solidification in a shell and tube finned thermal storage for air conditioning systems

Due to the advantages offered by latent heat thermal storages, phase change materials (PCM) are used in numerous applications including building air conditioning systems. In this study, the development is reported of an approximate analytical model for the solidification process in a shell and tube finned thermal storage. A comparative study is presented for solidification of the PCM in cylindrical shell and rectangular storages having the same volume and heat transfer surface area. The PCM solidification rate in the cylindrical shell storage is found to exceed that for the rectangular storage. The effects are investigated of heat thermal fluid (HTF) inlet temperature and flow rate on thermal storage performance.

► Simplified analytical model for solidification of PCM in shell and tube finned storage.
► We formulate energy equation in the presence of a heat thermal fluid on the walls.
► We compare solidification time for PCM in cylindrical shell and rectangular storages.
► We investigate the effects of inlet air temperature on thermal storage performance.
► We investigate the effects of air flow rate on thermal storage performance.