Numerical Investigations on Melting Behavior of Phase Change Material in a Rectangular Cavity at Different Inclination Angles

This paper investigates the melting process of phase change material in a rectangular cavity at different inclination angles. Paraffin is used as a phase change material in this study. One side of the cavity is heated while the other sides are considered to be adiabatic. The investigated angles of inclination include 0 degrees (bottom horizontal heating), 30 degrees, 60 degrees, 90 degrees (vertical heating), 120 degrees, 150 degrees and 180 degrees (top horizontal heating). Shapes of the solid liquid interface and temperature variations during the melting process were discussed for all the inclination angles. The results reveal that the inclination angles have a significant impact on the melting behavior of paraffin. As the angle increases from 0 degrees to 180 degrees, the complete melting time increases non-linearly.