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Experimental observations on the interface front of phase change material inside cylindrical cavity
Author(s) -
Han Xing,
Kang Zhanxiao,
Tian Xiaowei,
Wang Liqiu
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
energy storage
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2578-4862
DOI - 10.1002/est2.36
Subject(s) - superheating , radius , materials science , shape factor , heat transfer , phase change material , critical radius , phase (matter) , mechanics , thermal , latent heat , thermodynamics , chemistry , geometry , physics , mathematics , computer security , organic chemistry , curvature , computer science
The final solidification shape of phase change material (PCM) in cylindrical cavity is important for design of thermal energy storage system. We experimentally study the role of height and radius of cylindrical cavity, Stefan number ( Ste , from 0.2000 to 0.4500), Superheating factor ( S , from 0.1250 to 0.8125). There are three main morphologies of inward solidification shape as height increases (10‐60 mm): concave, Gaussian‐distribution‐like shape and the one with a hole appearing inside PCM. The cavity radius (24‐35.5 mm) will influence the critical height of distinguishing second and third morphologies. Temperature variation during solidification process is recorded by microthermocouples, showing the main heat transfer direction. Stefan number shows significant influence to the final solidification shape while superheating factor does not. The final solidification shape of PCM can reflect the heat transfer mechanism during solidification process.