Experimental observations on the interface front of phase change material inside cylindrical cavity

Xing Han, Zhanxiao Kang, Xiaowei Tian, Liqiu Wang

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

Abstract

Abstract The final solidification shape of phase change material (PCM) in cylindrical cavity is important for design of thermal energy storage system. We experimentally study the role of height and radius of cylindrical cavity, Stefan number (Ste, from 0.2000 to 0.4500), Superheating factor (S, from 0.1250 to 0.8125). There are three main morphologies of inward solidification shape as height increases (10-60 mm): concave, Gaussian-distribution-like shape and the one with a hole appearing inside PCM. The cavity radius (24-35.5 mm) will influence the critical height of distinguishing second and third morphologies. Temperature variation during solidification process is recorded by microthermocouples, showing the main heat transfer direction. Stefan number shows significant influence to the final solidification shape while superheating factor does not. The final solidification shape of PCM can reflect the heat transfer mechanism during solidification process.
Original languageOthers/Unknown
Pages (from-to)e36
JournalEnergy Storage
Volume1
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 12 Mar 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • cylindrical cavity
  • phase change material
  • solidification shape

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