Numerical performance study of paraffin wax dispersed with alumina in a concentric pipe latent heat storage system

Abstract

Latent heat energy storage systems using paraffin wax could have lower heat transfer rates during melting/freezing processes due to its inherent low thermal conductivity. The thermal conductivity of paraffin wax can be enhanced by employing high conductivity materials such as alumina (Al2O3). A numerical analysis has been carried out to study the performance enhancement of paraffin wax with nano-alumina (Al2O3) particles in comparison with simple paraffin wax in a concentric double pipe heat exchanger. Numerical analysis indicates that the charge-discharge rates of thermal energy can be greatly enhanced using paraffin wax with alumina as compared with a simple paraffin wax as phase change materials.