Volume 58

Fin Design Mechanisms for Enhanced PCM Solidification: Effects of Quantity and Arrangement Ziyong Yin, Jun Shen, Jian Li, Bo He, Zhennan Zhang

Abstract

This study addresses the issue of reduced driving range in electric vehicles under cold climate conditions by developing a phase change material-based thermal energy storage system. Through numerical simulation, the effects of different fin quantities and fin arrangement on the solidification process of the phase change material were systematically investigated. The results demonstrate that increasing the number of fins significantly enhances solidification rates, albeit with diminishing marginal returns. Furthermore, the fin arrangement substantially impacts solidification process, while moderate top-concentrated arrangements can shorten solidification time, excessive concentration conversely prolongs the process.

Keywords Phase change material, Thermal energy storage system, Numerical simulation, Fin quantities, Fin arrangements, Solidification process