Thermal performance analysis of a novel PCM capsule in red blood cell shape

Based on the principles of bionics, a novel PCM (phase change material) capsule in red blood cell (RBC) shape is proposed, in the present study. The RBC-shaped capsule as well as its deformation structure (cylinder, drum, ring and spherical ball) with the same volume are comprehensively investigated and compared by experimental and simulation method. Thermal performances of the capsules, such as the liquid fraction variation, temperature distribution and cold charging rate of the capsules, are studied. The results demonstrate that the RBC-shaped capsule studied has the best thermal performance, while the spherical capsule has the worst performance. The cold charging rate of the RBC-shaped capsule is 2.12 times that of the spherical capsule. The optimization results reveal that the RBC-shaped capsule with the geometrical parameter characteristics of a real human RBC, whose L:H:r is about 7:1:2, is the best structure.