23.07.2021

An experimental and theoretical study of the solidification process of phase change materials in a horizontal annular enclosure

The main purpose of this description is to examine experimentally and theoretically the process of heat accumulation and heat release for PCM (phase change materials) in an annular space.

The theoretical part of this work provides a solution of the problem of liquid solidification in an annular space under the influence of free convection. Here a simplified quasi-steady-state model for solidification has been applied. The new simplified model describes the solidification phenomenon with an imposed boundary condition on the solidification interface by applying a heat transfer coefficient. From the developed model, the influence of various dimensionless parameters on the phase change problem can be seen clearly.

Measurements and observation of the thickness of the solidified layer were performed in a newly built apparatus. In addition, this work is also concerned with the role of the contact layer in the solidification process. Results are showing the thickness of the solidification layer depending on time and the distribution of the local heat transfer coefficient on the surface of the solidification front. The obtained experimental and numerical results show good agreement.

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