Similarity curve in the solidification process of a latent-heat energy-storage unit with longitudinally straight fins (effect of heat-transfer tube on the applicability of the similarity rule)

Journal Article · Sat Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1994 · Heat Transfer - Japanese Research; (United States)

OSTI ID:6920780

Kaino, Koji

The applicability of the similarity rule that the relationship between the similarity function and the frozen fraction is independent of the Biot number is known to have a connection with the uniformity of heat-flux distribution on a heat-transfer surface. A latent-heat thermal-energy storage unit with straight fins, which has the nature of losing such uniformity inherently, has been adopted to examine how the applicability of the similarity rule will be affected by the thickness and thermal conductivity of the heat-transfer tube serving as the base of the straight fins. It is proved that, if the heat-transfer tube is made of a high-thermal-conductivity material, the applicability of the similarity rule can be ensured over wide variations in the thickness of the tube. On the other hand, if the heat-transfer tube has a lower thermal conductivity, the similarity rule is valid only in the situation in which the tube is considerably thick. The temperature distribution inside the storage unit, as well as the position of the solid-liquid interface, is shown for the purpose of discussing the results.

• OSTI ID: 6920780
• Journal Information: Heat Transfer - Japanese Research; (United States), Journal Name: Heat Transfer - Japanese Research; (United States) Vol. 23:1; ISSN 0096-0802; ISSN HTJPAU
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
420400* -- Engineering-- Heat Transfer & Fluid Flow
ENERGY STORAGE
EQUIPMENT
HEAT EXCHANGERS
HEAT STORAGE
LATENT HEAT STORAGE
PHASE TRANSFORMATIONS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
SOLIDIFICATION
STORAGE
THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY
THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE EQUIPMENT
THERMODYNAMIC PROPERTIES