PCM in Glass-Coated Circular Chamber CFD Simulation
$150.00 Student Discount
- The problem numerically simulates Phase Change Material in Glass-Coated Circular Chamber using ANSYS Fluent software.
- We design the 2-D model by the Design Modeler software.
- We Mesh the model by ANSYS Meshing software, and the element number equals 4797.
- We perform this simulation as unsteady (Transient).
- We use the Solidification and Melting model to define phase change materials.
Description
Phase Change Material in Glass-Coated Circular Chamber, ANSYS Fluent CFD Simulation Tutorial
The present problem simulates the performance of PCM in Glass-Coated Circular Chamber by ANSYS Fluent software. We perform this CFD project and investigate it by CFD analysis.
This PCM is evenly distributed inside the chamber. PCMs are materials with inorganic or organic compounds that are capable of absorbing and storing large amounts of latent thermal energy.
Thermal energy storage in these materials is achieved during the phase change process (solid phase to liquid or vice versa); So that when the phase changes from solid to liquid, they absorb heat from the environment, and when the phase changes from liquid to solid, they return the heat to the environment.
These phase-change materials have different melting or freezing temperatures.
Therefore PCM is used in heating and cooling systems; For example, these materials receive ambient heat on a hot day in the form of latent heat and melt, and then, in the cool air of the night, return the heat to the environment again, by changing the phase and solidification process.
For the present modeling, a glass coating around the chamber containing phase change material with a constant temperature of 338.15 K has been used, which is responsible for transferring heat to the phase change material.
The 2-D geometry of the model is designed using Design Modeler software. The present model includes a circle with an outer radius of 0.0335 m and an inner radius of 0.032 m. The meshing has been done using ANSYS Meshing software, and the mesh type is unstructured. The element number is 4797.
CFD Methodology
Since the nature of the PCMs of the present model is based on the phase change between solid and liquid phases, the solidification and melting model has been used for the simulation. This PCM is in the initial state of the simulation at 332.15 K.
To use the solidification and melting model, the maximum temperature at which only the solid phase exists (T_solidus), the minimum temperature at which only the liquid phase exists (T_liquidus), and the latent heat of solvent melting in the pure state (Pure solvent melting) must be used.
Because the simulation process is transient, the simulation process is performed in a time interval of 250 minutes (15,000 seconds) with a time step of 600 s.
Phase Change Material Conclusion
At the end of the solution process, liquid mass fraction and temperature contours were obtained at different times with intervals of 40 minutes.
Also, a graph of changes in the amount of liquid mass fraction over time is obtained. As it is obvious, the liquid mass fraction increases in terms of time, and the solid mass fraction decreases consequently
Mr. Jairo Schimmel Jr. –
This simulation is a fantastic tool for understanding the complex heat transfer phenomena in PCMs!
Miss Amaya Fahey Sr. –
Can this simulation be customized to model the phase change process in different types of PCMs and under different conditions?
MR CFD Support –
Yes, we can accommodate your desired simulations. Please share more details about your specific requirements.
Alexia Robatov –
I want to simulate an almost similar case with Phase changing material. however, my case is in 3D. how can I calculate the liquid fraction changes in my domain??
Mr CFD Support –
In general, you should define a volume average report and select a volume fraction report for your desired phase. However, since your model may be different in some aspects please contact our consultants. They will guide you through every step.
Foster Abbott –
How accurate is this simulation?
MR CFD Support –
The simulation is based on well-established physical principles and mathematical models, and we validate our results against experimental data to ensure accuracy.