Heat transfer analysis of microencapsulated phase change material slurry flow in heated helical coils: A numerical and analytical study

In this paper, numerical simulations and analytical analysis of the flow of a blend of microencapsulated phase change material (MPCM) in water, so called MPCM slurry (MPCMs), through a heated helically coiled heat exchanger were performed and data are presented and discussed. The numerical simulation results have been validated using experimental heat transfer data. Analysis of the numerical and analytical results reveal that the radius of curvature of the helically coiled heat exchanger have a direct effect on velocity profile and heat transfer rate of MPCMs flows. The results also indicate that MPCMs at low concentrations can be treated as homogenous heat transfer fluids.