Similarity curve in a solidification process of a latent-heat energy-storage unit with longitudinally straight fins (effect of fin on the applicability of the similarity rule)
The similarity rule states that a similarity curve representing the relationship between a similarity function and the frozen fraction is independent of the Biot number under four specified conditions, including uniform distribution of heat flux over the heat-transfer surface of a latent-heat storage unit. A storage unit with straight fins, which has the nature of losing such spatial uniformity of heat flux inherently, has been analyzed numerically. The effects of the thickness, thermal conductivity and the number of fins on the applicability of the similarity rule have been examined, following a previous investigation describing the effect of the heat-transfer tube. The results show that the relative difference between similarity curves for different Biot numbers is reduced with decreases in the thickness and/or thermal conductivity of the fin; that is, the similarity rule becomes more and more applicable with a reduction in the thermal conductance of the fin. The distributions of both temperatures, inside the storage unit and surface heat flux, have been shown for the purpose of discussing the results.
- OSTI ID:
- 6920824
- 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
Similar Records
Similarity curve in solidification process of latent-heat energy storage unit with longitudinally straight fins; Part 1, Effect of Stefan number on applicability of similarity rule
Modeling of partially wet radial fin assembly used as a dehumidifier coil