A Numerical Study on the Combined Effect of Y-Shaped Fin and Alumina Nanoparticles on PCM Solidification

The discrepancy between the supply and demand of the power due to such a steeply rising population and its electronic requirements results in a substantial fluctuation in the load management and the operational cost. A latent heat-based storage system is always beneficial over a sensible storage system due to its superior charge holding capacity over a nearly constant isothermal behaviour. The impact of mixing phase change material (PCM) RT82 with alumina nanoparticles on the solidification process is investigated in the present study. To further enhance the process, an extended Y-shaped fin with the nanoparticle-enhanced phase change material (NEPCM) is numerically simulated for reduced total solidification time and improved heat transfer rate. Fins are always beneficial for obtaining a better heat transfer rate, and as solidification is mainly a conduction-dominated process, employing fins will enhance and fasten the process. The process is evaluated in terms of total solidification time under different nanoparticle concentrations, which are 0, 3, and 7%. The combination of a Y-shaped fin with a higher volumetric concentration of nanoparticles is more fruitful in saving the solidification time.