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<p>This study presents a numerical investigation into the thermal behavior and melting performance of nanoparticle-enhanced phase change materials (PCMs) under two distinct boundary conditions: lateral (Case I) and vertical (Case II) heating. A square cavity filled with n-eicosane PCM was simulated using the enthalpy-porosity method, with enhancements from four nanoparticles Al<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>, Cu, CuO, and graphene nanoplatelets (GnP) at volume fractions ranging from 2 to 10%. Mesh independence and model validation were conducted to ensure numerical accuracy. Results show that nanoparticle type and heating orientation significantly affect the melting rate, temperature uniformity, and energy absorption. Under lateral heating, GnP at 10% concentration achieved 98% melting and absorbed 275&#xa0;kJ/kg by 6000&#xa0;s, outperforming other nanoparticles. In the vertical configuration, buoyancy-driven convection accelerated melting, with GnP achieving full melting (100%) and enhanced thermal uniformity (ΔT &lt; 2&#xa0;°C). Comparative analysis confirmed the synergistic effect of conductive and convective mechanisms, particularly for high-performance fillers like GnP. Temperature contour maps and liquid fraction distributions further validated the enhanced heat transfer and faster phase transition in GnP-enhanced PCMs. The study establishes that both nanoparticle morphology and thermal boundary orientation are critical in optimizing latent heat thermal energy storage systems. These findings provide actionable insights for the design of advanced thermal management systems in energy-efficient applications such as solar energy, electronics cooling, and electric vehicle battery systems.</p>

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Numerical Assessment of Nanoparticle-Enhanced Phase Change Materials with Varying Filler Types and Concentrations Under Lateral and Vertical Heating to Investigate Thermo-Convection-Driven Melting Dynamics

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年7月26日

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  • Naresh Kumar Goud Ranga,
  • S. K. Gugulothu,
  • P. Gandhi

摘要

This study presents a numerical investigation into the thermal behavior and melting performance of nanoparticle-enhanced phase change materials (PCMs) under two distinct boundary conditions: lateral (Case I) and vertical (Case II) heating. A square cavity filled with n-eicosane PCM was simulated using the enthalpy-porosity method, with enhancements from four nanoparticles Al2O3, Cu, CuO, and graphene nanoplatelets (GnP) at volume fractions ranging from 2 to 10%. Mesh independence and model validation were conducted to ensure numerical accuracy. Results show that nanoparticle type and heating orientation significantly affect the melting rate, temperature uniformity, and energy absorption. Under lateral heating, GnP at 10% concentration achieved 98% melting and absorbed 275 kJ/kg by 6000 s, outperforming other nanoparticles. In the vertical configuration, buoyancy-driven convection accelerated melting, with GnP achieving full melting (100%) and enhanced thermal uniformity (ΔT < 2 °C). Comparative analysis confirmed the synergistic effect of conductive and convective mechanisms, particularly for high-performance fillers like GnP. Temperature contour maps and liquid fraction distributions further validated the enhanced heat transfer and faster phase transition in GnP-enhanced PCMs. The study establishes that both nanoparticle morphology and thermal boundary orientation are critical in optimizing latent heat thermal energy storage systems. These findings provide actionable insights for the design of advanced thermal management systems in energy-efficient applications such as solar energy, electronics cooling, and electric vehicle battery systems.