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<p>This study presents a detailed numerical investigation into the melting behavior of nano-enhanced phase change materials (NePCM) embedded with hexagonal Y-shaped fins in a square cavity subjected to two distinct heating configurations: lateral heating (Case I) and vertical heating (Case II). The core objective is to evaluate how graphene nanoplatelet (GnP) additives at varying concentrations (2%, 5%, 8%, and 10% by volume) and the direction of thermal input influence melting kinetics, thermal uniformity, and energy storage efficiency. A finite volume method incorporating the enthalpy-porosity technique was employed to simulate the phase transition of n-eicosane-based NePCM. Comprehensive mesh and time-step sensitivity analyses ensured numerical accuracy, and the model was validated against benchmark studies with deviations below 2.5%. The novelty of this work lies in the integration of high-conductivity GnP nanoparticles with a complex fin geometry under dual thermal boundary conditions an approach not extensively explored in prior research. Results show that increasing GnP concentration substantially enhances thermal conductivity, leading to faster melting and improved heat diffusion. In Case I, the maximum liquid fraction reached 78% with a 10% GnP loading, whereas Case II achieved 92% under the same conditions. Similarly, vertical heating exhibited a higher average domain temperature (328.5&#xa0;K) and greater energy absorption (275&#xa0;kJ/kg), outperforming lateral heating by 2.7% and 12.2%, respectively. The alignment of heat flow with buoyancy forces in Case II enabled stronger convection currents and more uniform melting, establishing it as the superior configuration. This study provides critical insights for optimizing latent heat thermal energy storage systems through the combined application of nanoparticle additives, geometric fin enhancements, and gravity-aligned heat input offering potential for advanced thermal management in electronics, renewable energy, and battery cooling systems.</p>

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Enhanced thermal response of graphene nanoplatelet-embedded PCM in a finned cavity: a comparative numerical analysis of lateral and vertical heating configurations

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月6日

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  • Naresh Kumar,
  • Goud Ranga,
  • S. K. Gugulothu,
  • P. Gandhi

摘要

This study presents a detailed numerical investigation into the melting behavior of nano-enhanced phase change materials (NePCM) embedded with hexagonal Y-shaped fins in a square cavity subjected to two distinct heating configurations: lateral heating (Case I) and vertical heating (Case II). The core objective is to evaluate how graphene nanoplatelet (GnP) additives at varying concentrations (2%, 5%, 8%, and 10% by volume) and the direction of thermal input influence melting kinetics, thermal uniformity, and energy storage efficiency. A finite volume method incorporating the enthalpy-porosity technique was employed to simulate the phase transition of n-eicosane-based NePCM. Comprehensive mesh and time-step sensitivity analyses ensured numerical accuracy, and the model was validated against benchmark studies with deviations below 2.5%. The novelty of this work lies in the integration of high-conductivity GnP nanoparticles with a complex fin geometry under dual thermal boundary conditions an approach not extensively explored in prior research. Results show that increasing GnP concentration substantially enhances thermal conductivity, leading to faster melting and improved heat diffusion. In Case I, the maximum liquid fraction reached 78% with a 10% GnP loading, whereas Case II achieved 92% under the same conditions. Similarly, vertical heating exhibited a higher average domain temperature (328.5 K) and greater energy absorption (275 kJ/kg), outperforming lateral heating by 2.7% and 12.2%, respectively. The alignment of heat flow with buoyancy forces in Case II enabled stronger convection currents and more uniform melting, establishing it as the superior configuration. This study provides critical insights for optimizing latent heat thermal energy storage systems through the combined application of nanoparticle additives, geometric fin enhancements, and gravity-aligned heat input offering potential for advanced thermal management in electronics, renewable energy, and battery cooling systems.