Analysis of geometrical and operational parameters of PCM in a fin and tube heat exchanger

In this paper the process of solidification and melting of a phase change material is investigated in fin and tube heat exchanger. The shell side including around the tubes and spaces between fins is filled with the material R35 allocated to store energy of water, as heat transfer fluid, which flows inside the tubes. Experimental apparatus is used to investigate the effect of flow rate, inlet temperature and geometrical parameter (fin pitch) on charging and discharging processes of the phase change material. The shell side is a rectangular cube in which a continuous spiry tube creates a heat transfer surface. Results indicate that utilizing fins increases fin average temperature regardless of flow regime. While reduction in fin pitch doesn't affect this parameter sensibly for both regimes. By the increase of inlet temperature from Th = 50 °C to Th = 60 °C, melting time decreases more severally in comparison with the same rise from Th = 60 °C to Th = 70 °C.