Sustainable Energy and Artificial Intelligence

Numerical Study on the Improvement of Flat-Plate Solar Collector Performance Using a Finned Storage Tank Containing Phase Change Materials.

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Mohammad Naderi 1
G Ali Sheikhzadeh 1
Abolfazl Fattahi 2

1 University of Kashan

2 Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Kashan, Kashan, Iran

https://doi.org/10.61882/seai.2411-1031
Abstract
Abstract- Various types of solar heaters are designed based on different operational principles. This study focuses on the numerical analysis of the impact of latent heat storage on the performance of a solar water heater over a 24-hour period. A two-dimensional geometry was transiently modeled, and the use of extended surfaces in the air channel and the storage tank containing phase change materials (PCMs) was investigated. Using PCMs in solar latent heat storage systems allows for the storage of energy received from the sun during the day, which can then be utilized for various applications at night. The incorporation of fins enhances the rate of energy storage and release within the system, leading to improved phase change processes. According to the results obtained, increasing the flow velocity enhances the freezing rate, and the use of fins further accelerates this process compared to configurations without fins. By applying extended surfaces placed in the air channel, the heated incoming air is dispersed throughout the channel upon encountering the fins, leading to a more uniform thermal flow. Additionally, after sunset, the heat collected from the absorber is effectively transferred to the air.

Keywords

Numerical Simulation
Transient Heat Transfer
Phase Change Materials
Latent Heat Energy Storage
Extended Surfaces

Subjects

Sustainable Energy and Artificial Intelligence
Volume 1, Issue 4
Autumn 2025
Pages 259-272

  • Receive Date 29 June 2025
  • Revise Date 09 August 2025
  • Accept Date 09 August 2025
  • First Publish Date 09 August 2025

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