Transient Thermal Analysis of Phase Change Materials for Energy Storage Systems.

Abstract

The increasing demand for efficient and sustainable energy management systems has intensified research on thermal energy storage technologies, among which phase change materials (PCMs) have emerged as a promising solution due to their high latent heat capacity and ability to store and release energy at nearly constant temperatures. This study focuses on the transient thermal analysis of phase change materials used in energy storage systems, aiming to evaluate their dynamic heat transfer behavior during melting and solidification processes. Unlike steady-state approaches, transient analysis provides a more realistic representation of thermal performance by capturing time-dependent variations in temperature distribution, phase interface movement, and heat flux within the material. The research employs a combination of numerical modeling and experimental validation to investigate the influence of key parameters such as thermal conductivity, phase transition temperature, geometry of the storage system, and boundary conditions on the overall efficiency of PCM-based storage units. The results highlight that the rate of heat transfer during the charging and discharging cycles is significantly affected by the low thermal conductivity of most PCMs, leading to non-uniform temperature fields and delayed phase transitions. To address these limitations, the study examines enhancement techniques such as the incorporation of high-conductivity additives, fin structures, and encapsulation methods, which are shown to improve heat transfer rates and system responsiveness. Furthermore, the transient thermal behavior is analyzed under varying operational conditions to assess the reliability and performance stability of PCM systems in real world applications, including solar energy storage and building thermal management. The findings demonstrate that optimizing the thermal characteristics and structural design of PCM systems can substantially enhance energy storage efficiency and reduce energy losses. This research contributes to the advancement of thermal energy storage technologies by providing a detailed understanding of the time-dependent thermal dynamics of phase change materials, thereby supporting the development of more effective and sustainable energy solutions..