No abstract

In this paper, a numerical investigation had been performed to improve the melting process of phase change materials (PCM) by utilizing a trapezoidal channel. Different geometrical parameters of the trapezoidal channel were investigated. These parameters included: the height and pitch of the trapezoidal channel. Two-dimensional numerical models were developed with ANSYS (FLUENT) software. The unit is a horizontal channel that the heat transfer fluid (HTF) (hot water) passes through the channel to melt the PCM which contained at the top and bottom sides of the channel. The results showed that the trapezoidal channel with a longitudinal pitch of 6 mm and a height of 4 mm is the most suitable parameters for increasing the PCM melting process compared to other geometrical parameters. It was also concluded that the melting time is decreased by 27% at a height of 4 mm, and by 8% at a pitch of 2 mm.