Machines. Technologies. Materials.
Vol. 19 (2025), Issue 10, pg(s) 392-395

TECHNOLOGIES

Optimizing latent thermal energy storage geometry for storage capacity maximization

  • 1 University of Rijeka, Faculty of Engineering, Croatia
  • 2 University of Rijeka, Faculty of Maritime Studies, Croatia

Abstract

In the paper, geometry parameters of a longitudinally-finned vertical shell-and-tube latent thermal energy storage (LTES), which uses paraffin as the phase change material (PCM) and water as the heat transfer fluid (HTF) have been optimized with the objective of maximizing its storage capacity, i.e. the amount of stored and released thermal energy. Three objectives were set: maximization of stored thermal energy in 8 h, maximization of released thermal energy in 12 h and a combination of the two, in which each objective was given equal significance. There geometry parameters were optimized; fin number, fin width and tube diameter. Optimization has been performed using response surface methodology and Box-Behnken approach. Responses have been obtained numerically, through an experimentally validated modeling procedure and solver scheme. The responses for each objective were fitted with a regression polynomial function and the fitness quality was evaluated through a coefficient R2. Optimization procedure offers different optimum values of analyzed parameters for each objective and provides guidance for choosing the favorable values of LTES geometry parameters in order to enhance LTES thermal performance.

Keywords

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