Numerical analysis of the solidification process of water used as PCM in a rectangular latent heat thermal storage unit

Abstract A numerical analysis of the solidification process of water used as phase change material (PCM) has been carried out in a rectangular latent heat thermal storage unit. The major heat transfer phenomena involved in such a process were numerically characterized using the CFD code Star CCM+. During the solidification process, the flow and heat transfer were analysed through vector field, temperature and solid fractions contours. Quantitative global results such as the temporal evolution of the average temperature of the PCM were also provided during the solidification process. The present study shows that the natural convection plays an important role in heat transfer kinetics during solidification process.