Heat pipe-assisted melting of a phase change material

Heat pipe-assisted melting of a phase change material (PCM) housed within a vertical cylindrical enclosure is simulated and is compared to melting induced by heating from an isothermal surface, or with a solid rod or a hollow tube. A parametric study reveals that the heat pipe-assisted melting rates are significantly higher than those associated with the rod or tube, and approach the maximum attainable rates associated with the isothermal surface. Melting rates are enhanced as either the condenser length or the diameter of the heat pipe is increased. The heat pipe is particularly effective in augmenting melting in configurations involving PCM heating from above. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.