Influence of the copper foam shape on thermal performance of phase-change material

摘要: Abstract Most Phase-Change Material (PCM) possessed the poor thermal conductivity, leading to a modest performance in Latent Thermal Energy Storage (LTES) system. Filling metal foam was widely used overcome this deficit. To optimize transfer enhancement benefit of PCM filled with copper partly, six physical models filling ratio 50% were built and numerical simulation employed two-temperature non-equilibrium model. Results showed temperature had higher response rate composite than that pure then heat transferred from PCM. The smaller divided zone by foam, resistance thereby, larger benefit. By optimizing shapes, full melting time could be reduced 4143 s, average values increased 0.00459 °C/s for 336.83 w/m2 flow. comparing models, melt difficultly lower right corner, which would also focus arrangement. In future design LTES system, optimized shapes have good reference value.