Geometry Optimization Of A Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage Unit Using Rt27

Geometry optimization of a latent heat thermal energy storage (TES) unit using RT27 is investigated to figure out an optimal shape which obtains the best heat transfer property. A 2D model of the TES unit is built for numerical analysis and simulation. By applying constructal method for calculation, the optimal shape factor is around 0.15. And 11 configurations are selected for comsol simulation, aiming at validating the constructal optimization procedure and analyzing the heat transfer process. According to the data analysis of the liquid fraction and heat flux from simulation results, the optimal shape factor is also around 0.15. In addition, it's found that boundary effect makes a big difference on the heat transfer process and the existence of the optimal shape factor can be validated in theory.