4.7 Article

Effect of fin number on the melting phase change in a horizontal finned shell-and-tube thermal energy storage unit

Journal

SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
Volume 236, Issue -, Pages -

Publisher

ELSEVIER
DOI: 10.1016/j.solmat.2021.111527

Keywords

Longitudinal fins; Thermal energy storage; Phase change material; Fin number; Shell-and-tube heat exchanger

Funding

  1. National Natural Science Foundation of China [51976155]
  2. K. C. Wong Education Foundation

Ask authors/readers for more resources

This study investigates the enhanced heat transfer by adding longitudinal fins in a horizontal shell-and-tube heat storage unit. The results show that the number of fins greatly affects the melting time and increasing the number of fins weakens local natural convection. The study provides practical significance for engineering application research of phase change energy storage.
This paper studies the enhanced heat transfer of adding longitudinal fins in a horizontal shell-and-tube heat storage unit. A two-dimensional numerical model is established and validated through comparing with experimental data in literature. Under the same ratio of fin volume to phase change materials (PCMs), the melting thermal performance is optimized by changing the fin thickness, interval and the number. Results demonstrate that adding longitudinal fins is a simple and effective method to enhance the thermal energy storage efficiency. The number of fins greatly affects the complete melting time, and the maximum time difference caused by the number of fins is as high as 72.85% under the same phase change material (PCM) filling mass. At the same time, increasing the number of fins will weaken the local natural convection. In this paper, the optimal number of fins in the limited research range is given, and the effectiveness of longitudinal fins in improving melting speed is quantified, which has certain practical significance for the engineering application research of phase change energy storage.

Authors

I am an author on this paper
Click your name to claim this paper and add it to your profile.

Reviews

Primary Rating

4.7
Not enough ratings

Secondary Ratings

Novelty
-
Significance
-
Scientific rigor
-
Rate this paper

Recommended

Article Engineering, Multidisciplinary

The effects of diesel-OME1 blended fuel on combustion characteristics of a heavy-duty compression ignition engine by a numerical study

K. Ghadamkheir, J. Zareei, Xiaohu Yang, M. Hatami

Summary: Diesel engines play an important role in transportation, but the main issues are the high levels of CO2 and soot emissions. A numerical study found that blending oxymethylene ether with diesel can improve engine performance and reduce emissions. The results showed that using oxymethylene ether can significantly decrease soot and NOx emissions by over 80%, and also reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 66%.

ALEXANDRIA ENGINEERING JOURNAL (2023)

Article Engineering, Multidisciplinary

Numerical analysis of inner heating tube position for improving solid-phase transition in a shell-and-tube heat accumulator

Gang Liu, Tian Xiao, Xinyi Wang, Xiaohu Yang, Hailong Li

Summary: Latent heat thermal storage (LHTS) system is crucial for reducing environmental pollution. The position of the inner heating tube in the shell-and-tube heat accumulator plays a vital role in thermal storage. A two-dimensional numerical model is developed to analyze the effect of the inner tube position on phase transition. The results show that when the inner tube is 12 mm from the center, the structure has the minimum full melting time of 3480 s, and the full melting time can be reduced by 13.4% compared to when the inner tube is 0 mm from the center.

ALEXANDRIA ENGINEERING JOURNAL (2023)

Article Energy & Fuels

Positive climate effects when AR customer support simultaneous trains AI experts for the smart industries of the future

Madeleine Martinsen, Yuanye Zhou, Erik Dahlquist, Jinyue Yan, Konstantinos Kyprianidis

Summary: Initially, AI focused on diagnostics but lacked trust and industry adoption due to manual programming and limited computer capacity. However, the introduction of new tools and technologies such as PLS, PCA, ANN, and IoT paved the way for AI's resurgence. Today, machine learning techniques like deep learning and ANN are creating interesting use cases.

APPLIED ENERGY (2023)

Article Thermodynamics

Optimization of melting performance of a heat storage tank under rotation conditions: Based on taguchi design and response surface method

Xinyu Huang, Fangfei Li, Yuanji Li, Xiangzhao Meng, Xiaohu Yang, Bengt Sunden

Summary: The melting performance of a rotating triplex-tube latent heat thermal energy storage unit is optimized using the Taguchi design and response surface method. The effects of fin distribution, fin number, and fin material on the melting performance are quantitatively revealed. The optimal design reduces the total melting time and increases the average heat absorption rate compared to the original structure.

ENERGY (2023)

Article Engineering, Electrical & Electronic

Data-Driven Coordinated Voltage Control Method of Distribution Networks With High DG Penetration

Yanda Huo, Peng Li, Haoran Ji, Hao Yu, Jinyue Yan, Jianzhong Wu, Chengshan Wang

Summary: This paper proposes a data-driven voltage control method that coordinates on-load tap changers (OLTCs) and distributed generator (DG) inverters on multiple time-scales. The method uses multi-source data to establish a data-driven control model and ensures voltage control performance under the partial measurements in practical active distribution networks (ADNs).

IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON POWER SYSTEMS (2023)

Article Multidisciplinary Sciences

Techno-economic assessment of implementing photovoltaic water villas in Maldives

Lingfei Qi, Yuan Wang, Juhuang Song, Cunhong Yin, Jinyue Yan, Zutao Zhang

Summary: This paper investigates the feasibility of using roof photovoltaic (PV) systems in water villas in the Maldives. Three islands- Ayada Maldives, Angaga Island Resort, and JA Manafaru - were studied as case examples. The potential PV installations in these islands were found to be 1,410, 445, and 742 kW, with corresponding annual power generation of 2.04, 0.64, and 1.12 GWh. The profits over a 25-year life cycle for these islands were estimated to be 4.86, 1.52, and 2.90 million USD, with payback periods ranging from 6 to 7 years.

ISCIENCE (2023)

Article Construction & Building Technology

Depth optimization of solidification properties of a latent heat energy storage unit under constant rotation mechanism

Xinyu Huang, Fangfei Li, Liu Lu, Ze Li, Xiaohu Yang, Jinyue Yan

Summary: Latent heat storage technology is important for utilizing clean energy in building heating, but the low thermal conductivity of heat storage medium hinders its large-scale application. This paper investigates the solidification performance of a triplex-tube latent heat thermal energy storage unit using the rotation mechanism. Different design optimization methods are employed for in-depth analysis. The results show that the optimized structure significantly improves heat release rate and reduces solidification time.

ENERGY AND BUILDINGS (2023)

Article Green & Sustainable Science & Technology

Experimental and numerical investigations on tilt filling design of metal foam in a heat storage tank

Yuanji Li, Zhaoyang Niu, Xinyu Gao, Ruiyang Ji, Xiaohu Yang, Jinyue Yan

Summary: The use of metal foam as a filler in heat storage tanks compensates for the low thermal conductivity of phase change materials. However, it can impede natural convection. Inclining the upper surface of the metal foam further strengthens natural convection in the upper region. Numerical simulations showed that a counterclockwise inclination pattern resulted in more time savings.

RENEWABLE ENERGY (2023)

Article Green & Sustainable Science & Technology

Solar harvest: Enhancing carbon sequestration and energy efficiency in solar greenhouses with PVT and GSHP systems

Zhengguang Liu, Wene Wang, Yuntian Chen, Lili Wang, Zhiling Guo, Xiaohu Yang, Jinyue Yan

Summary: It is widely recognized that climate change has drawn extensive attention to carbon sequestration in solar greenhouse plants. Solar greenhouse technologies have played and will continue to play a leading role in this crucial transition. The main objective of this research is to investigate the energy efficiency and carbon sequestration potential of a solar-assisted ground-source heat pump (SAGSHP) heating system. This hybrid system, combining a horizontal ground-source heat pump (GSHP) system with PVT and heat storage, effectively meets the heating demands of a greenhouse and functions as a positive energy building. Four plant species, including cucumber, tomato, cowpea, and lettuce, were selected for comparison of carbon absorption effects. The results demonstrate that the hybrid system outperforms conventional systems, with a coefficient of performance (COP) of 6.71 during peak hours and PVT efficiency over 57.88%, satisfying the heat load of the greenhouse while maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures. Additionally, tomato exhibited the highest photosynthetic carbon sequestration of 3522 kgCO(2).m(-2), while cowpea showed the strongest daily carbon sequestration capacity at 26.86 gCO(2)m(-2)d(-1) and better economic income. Through the implementation of this enhanced solar greenhouse, solar energy utilization can be enhanced, flexible interaction between energy and information flow can be established, and a promising option for sustainable building design can be created.

RENEWABLE ENERGY (2023)

Review Energy & Fuels

Manufacturing processes and recycling technology of automotive lithium-ion battery: A review

Lingfei Qi, Yuan Wang, Lingji Kong, Minyi Yi, Juhuang Song, Daning Hao, Xianzheng Zhou, Zutao Zhang, Jinyue Yan

Summary: This paper focuses on the manufacturing and recycling technologies of automotive lithium-ion battery (ALIB). It provides a comprehensive review on ALIB manufacturing process, cost, energy consumption, and recycling. The paper also identifies some challenges and recommends further research to address these gaps.

JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE (2023)

Article Thermodynamics

Melting-solidification cycle of finned heat storage tank: Optimization of fin structure by response surface method

Zhao Du, Xinyu Huang, Yuanji Li, Xiaohu Yang, Hailong Li

Summary: This paper investigates the impact of longitudinal fins on the melting and solidification process in a phase change heat storage unit using experiments and numerical simulations. Optimization of fin position and structure is conducted to enhance heat transfer efficiency, leading to a reduction in charging and discharging time as well as improved heat absorption and release rates.

CASE STUDIES IN THERMAL ENGINEERING (2023)

Article Thermodynamics

Experimental evaluation on pre-swirling cold air for flue cooling

Bo Wang, Tao Song, Aihua Li, Yaqi Li, Gao Shu, Yuanji Li, Xiaohu Yang

Summary: In this study, the dynamic behavior of wall temperature in an air duct was analyzed using an experimental system, investigating the impact of a pre-swirling device on the increase in wall temperature. The results revealed a lower wall temperature in the presence of the pre-swirl, with a maximum reduction of 55.7%. This study demonstrates that the pre-swirling device effectively diminishes the increase in wall temperature and shows potential applications.

CASE STUDIES IN THERMAL ENGINEERING (2023)

Article Thermodynamics

Tactical unit algorithm: A novel metaheuristic algorithm for optimal loading distribution of chillers in energy optimization

Ze Li, Xinyu Gao, Xinyu Huang, Jiayi Gao, Xiaohu Yang, Ming-Jia Li

Summary: The Tactical Unit Algorithm (TUA) is a novel metaheuristic algorithm that demonstrates higher search accuracy, faster convergence, and better stability in solving optimal chiller loading problems.

APPLIED THERMAL ENGINEERING (2024)

Article Thermodynamics

Design and assessment on a bottom-cut shape for latent heat storage tank filled with metal foam

Rukun Hu, Xinyu Huang, Xinyu Gao, Liu Lu, Xiaohu Yang, Bengt Sund

Summary: This study examines the impact of applying bottom cross-cut on PCM's spatial distribution in a horizontal LHTES unit using numerical simulation. The findings show that bottom cross-cut can improve the heat storage rate and natural convection heat transfer gain.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF THERMAL SCIENCES (2024)

Article Thermodynamics

Numerical optimization on metallic foam for enhancing melting of PCM in a multi-channel thermal storage tank

Tian Xiao, Xinyu Huang, Liu Lu, Junfei Guo, Xiaohu Yang

Summary: Latent heat thermal storage systems have the potential for industrial waste heat recovery, and using open-cell metal foams can greatly improve the heat storage efficiency by enhancing heat conduction.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GREEN ENERGY (2023)

Article Energy & Fuels

Highly efficient double-side-passivated perovskite solar cells for reduced degradation and low photovoltage loss

Shahriyar Safat Dipta, Md Habibur Rahaman, Walia Binte Tarique, Ashraful Hossain Howlader, Ayush Pratik, John A. Stride, Ashraf Uddin

Summary: Implementing a double-sided passivation approach can enhance the performance of n-i-p structured PSCs and improve the stability and photovoltaic properties of the cells.

SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS (2024)

Article Energy & Fuels

Paste-based silver reduction for iTOPCon rear side metallization

Daniel Ourinson, Andreas Brand, Andreas Lorenz, Marwan Dhamrin, Sebastian Tepner, Michael Linse, Nathalie Goettlicher, Kosuke Tsuji, Jonas D. Huyeng, Florian Clement

Summary: This work presents two approaches to reduce the amount of silver on the rear side of M2-sized industrial iTOPCon solar cells. The Cu-based approach shows promise with similar power conversion efficiency compared to the conventional approach, while the Al-based approach exhibits some limitations but demonstrates the potential of such type of contact for iTOPCon solar cells.

SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS (2024)

Article Energy & Fuels

Screen printable copper pastes for silicon solar cells

Abasifreke Ebong, Donald Intal, Sandra Huneycutt, Thad Druffel, Ruvini Dharmadasa, Kevin Elmer, Apolo Nambo

Summary: This study demonstrates the successful metallization of a PERC silicon solar cell using screen-printable copper (Cu) paste. The Cu paste contains antioxidant additives and diffusion inhibitors to prevent oxidation and diffusion of Cu. The Cu-printed cells achieved an efficiency of 19% and showed no Cu diffusion after characterization tests. The long-term stability and effectiveness of the Cu diffusion barrier were also confirmed.

SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS (2024)

Article Energy & Fuels

Defining specifications for accurate Metal/TCO specific contact resistivity measurements by TLM in silicon heterojunction devices

Senami Zogbo, Wilfried Favre, Olivier Bonino, Marie-Estelle Gueunier-Farret

Summary: Measuring specific contact resistivity (pc) is crucial for interface engineering in high efficiency solar cells. The Transfer Length Method (TLM) is commonly used for evaluating layer sheet resistance (Rsheet) and pc, but it is not suitable for metal/Transparent Conductive Oxide (TCO) interface evaluation in silicon heterojunction (SHJ) cells. This study investigates the parameters that restrict current confinement within the TCO, including mid-gap trap density (Dit) at the a-Si:H/c-Si interface and the activation energy (Ea = Ec - EF) variation of a-Si:H contact layers.

SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS (2024)

Article Energy & Fuels

Ribbons lengthening induced by thermal cycling in PV modules part I: Cell-ribbon mechanical interaction through the solder

Jean-Baptiste Charpentier, Philippe Voarino, Julien Gaume

Summary: The phenomenon of ribbon lengthening in PV modules exposed to thermal cycling is not well explained in the literature. In this study, a three layers model is proposed to explain this effect, and the predictions of the model are validated through finite element method simulations and experiments. The results show that the model predictions are consistent with the indirect measurements, but not with the direct measurements. Additionally, it is inferred that the encapsulant plays a role after the solder failure.

SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS (2024)

Article Energy & Fuels

Ribbons lengthening induced by thermal cycling in PV modules, Part II: Glass-ribbon mechanical interaction through the encapsulant

Jean-Baptiste Charpentier, Philippe Voarino, Julien Gaume

Summary: This study investigates the problematic ribbon lengthening observed in PV modules exposed to high amplitude thermal cycling. A simplified system model is proposed and accurate predictions are obtained using the Finite Element Method. The results show that the thickness of the encapsulant has a substantial impact on the lengthening of the ribbons.

SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS (2024)

Article Energy & Fuels

Gallium nanoparticles as antireflection structures on III-V solar cells

S. Catalan-Gomez, E. Martinez Castellano, M. Schwarz, M. Montes Bajo, L. Dorado Vargas, A. Gonzalo, A. Redondo-Cubero, A. Gallego Carro, A. Hierro, J. M. Ulloa

Summary: This study investigates the use of core-shell gallium nanoparticles as functional light scatterers on solar cells. By optimizing the nanoparticle size, the short-circuit current of the solar cells is significantly improved. The underlying physical mechanism is studied through optical measurements and simulations, and a method to reduce the plasmonic effect of the nanoparticles is demonstrated.

SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS (2024)

Article Energy & Fuels

Highly reflective and passivated ohmic contacts in p-Ge by laser processing of aSiCx:H(i)/Al2O3/aSiC films for thermophotovoltaic applications

M. Gamel, G. Lopez, A. M. Medrano, A. Jimenez, A. Datas, M. Garin, I. Martin

Summary: In this study, a highly reflective ohmic contact to p-type c-Ge material is demonstrated, which can improve the efficiency of thermophotovoltaic devices. The experimental results show that this contact can simultaneously meet the requirements of good back surface passivation, low electrical resistivity, and high reflectivity. Moreover, simulations suggest that implementing these back contacts has the potential to achieve conversion efficiencies comparable to high-efficiency c-Ge TPV cells.

SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS (2024)

Article Energy & Fuels

Improvement on solar selective absorption properties of anodic aluminum oxide photonic crystal films by electrodeposition of silver

Hongyang Wei, Qing Xu, Dongchu Chen, Min Chen, Menglei Chang, Xiufang Ye

Summary: This study prepared solar selective absorption films based on anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) photonic crystals using a unique electrodeposition method. The Co-Ag electrodeposited film exhibited superior solar selective absorption properties and thermal stability.

SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS (2024)

Article Energy & Fuels

Optical absorption driven by efficient refraction and light concentration for photovoltaic applications

Ankit Kumar, Ankit Chauhan, Jordi Llobet, Helder Fonseca, Patricia C. Sousa, Carlos Calaza, Gil Shalev

Summary: This study found that decorating subwavelength arrays with SiO2 quasi-nanolenses (qNL arrays) can enhance the absorption of the solar spectrum. Optical absorption mechanisms in qNL arrays were investigated using near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM), revealing that the enhancement is a result of the combination of effective antireflection coating, increased optical interactions between adjacent dielectrics for elevated light trapping, and strong light concentration due to the presence of qNLs.

SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS (2024)

Article Energy & Fuels

Progress on the reduction of silver consumption in metallization of silicon heterojunction solar cells

S. Pingel, T. Wenzel, N. Goettlicher, M. Linse, L. Folcarelli, J. Schube, S. Hoffmann, S. Tepner, Y. C. Lau, J. Huyeng, A. Lorenz, F. Clement

Summary: This study demonstrates the potential to reduce silver consumption in highly efficient SHJ cells through fine-line screen printing using low temperature paste with various screens. The results show that using finer mesh allows for narrower grid fingers and lower resistance, leading to improved cell efficiency. Simulation results indicate that module wire configuration is crucial for reducing silver consumption.

SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS (2024)

Article Energy & Fuels

Efficient-thermal conductivity, storage and application of bionic tree-ring composite phase change materials based on freeze casting

Xibo He, Jun Qiu, Wei Wang, Yicheng Hou, Yong Shuai

Summary: This paper proposes a novel phase change material with high thermal conductivity and stability for fast photo-thermal conversion and storage. The experimental results demonstrate excellent durability and stability of the phase change material, with good performance in thermal conductivity and thermal storage efficiency.

SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS (2024)

Article Energy & Fuels

Solar evaporation of liquid marbles with tunable nanowire array

Qingyuan Liu, Lin Wang, Zheng Liu, Guohua Liu

Summary: A new evaporating structure consisting of liquid marble with tunable nanowire array is proposed to enhance solar evaporation. The experiments show that the liquid marble with nanowire array exhibits outstanding evaporation performance, which has significant implications for seawater desalination or wastewater treatment.

SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS (2024)

Article Energy & Fuels

Effects of different interface on the stability of hybrid heterojunction solar cells

Hao Liu, Qiming Liu, Jinpei Liu, Yonggang Zhao, Yingjie Yu, Yue An, Ganghui Wei, Yanzheng Li, Yujun Fu, Junshuai Li, Deyan He

Summary: Moisture in the air is identified as the main cause of performance degradation in organic-inorganic hybrid solar cells. Exposure to air leads to the growth of thin oxide layer on the interface and the formation of silver sulfide, increasing the series resistance and decreasing the fill factor, thus degrading the cell performance.

SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS (2024)

Article Energy & Fuels

Refractive indices and extinction coefficients of p-type doped Germanium wafers for photovoltaic and thermophotovoltaic devices

E. Blanco, P. Martin, M. Dominguez, P. Fernandez-Palacios, I. Lombardero, C. Sanchez-Perez, I. Garcia, C. Algora, M. Gabas

Summary: This study addresses the lack of optical parameters for p-type Ge wafers by determining the complex refractive indices of commercial Ge wafers with varying doping levels. The obtained data successfully reproduces the critical points associated with interband transitions and absorption features below the bandgap. The refractive indices were validated through experimental measurements and solar cell simulations.

SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS (2024)