What question did this study set out to answer?

This work aims to enhance the melting performance of phase change materials (PCMs) using various fin designs and nanoparticle doping.

April 24, 2026Scientific Reports0 citationsOpen Access

Optimization of fin design and nanoparticle doping for accelerated PCM melting

ABAbdeldjalil Belazreg NQNaef A. A. Qasem AAAissa Abderrahmane

Key Points

This work aims to enhance the melting performance of phase change materials (PCMs) using various fin designs and nanoparticle doping.
Numerical simulation using a 2D COMSOL Multiphysics model to evaluate thermal charging in PCM-based systems
Evaluation of five fin arrangements (C1 to C5) and three inner tube positions (P1 to P3)
Assessment of Cu nanoparticle concentrations at 0%, 2%, and 4% for performance metrics.
Fin arrangement C5 reduced melting time by 18.5% compared to the least effective arrangement (C4)
Inner tube position P2 achieved 99% melting in 24 minutes, outperforming positions P1 and P3
4% Cu nanoparticle concentration resulted in complete melting in 21 minutes, a 12.5% improvement over pure PCM.

Abstract

Latent heat thermal energy storage (LHTES) represents a promising renewable energy technology that can help alleviate the global energy shortage. This work numerically investigates the thermal charging process in a n-octadecane PCM-based double-pipe LHTES using a 2D COMSOL Multiphysics model. The study evaluates and analyzes the performance enhancement of the LHTES with various metallic fins, different distributions, inner tube placement, and Cu nano-additive concentrations. The study examines five fin arrangements, C 1 to C 5, three positions of the inner tube, P 1 to P 3, and three concentrations of Cu nanoparticles, 0%, 2%, and 4%. Results showed that among the five arrangements examined, C5 had the lowest melting time, up to 18.5% lower than the worst-performing configuration (C4). The inner tube position P2 outperforms P1 and P3, obtaining 99% melting in 24 min. Moreover, the 4% Cu concentration was superior, resulting in complete melting in 21 min, which is an improvement of 12.5% compared to the pure PCM.

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