Morphing tree structures for latent thermal energy storage

Journal Article (Journal Article)

Here, we report the numerical study of time dependent storage of energy by melting a phase change material. The heating is provided along invading lines, which change from single-line invasion to tree-shaped invasion. The numerical simulations show that the history of the amount of melted material is S-shaped. We also found that the fastest melting (i.e., the steepest S curve) is discovered by allowing the tree architecture to morph freely, toward greater access over time. The stem length and branching angle of invading trees can be selected such that the complete melting process is shorter. The melting process can also be made faster by increasing the complexity of the tree structure.

Full Text

Duke Authors

Cited Authors

  • Ziaei, S; Lorente, S; Bejan, A

Published Date

  • June 14, 2015

Published In

Volume / Issue

  • 117 / 22

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1089-7550

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0021-8979

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1063/1.4921442

Citation Source

  • Scopus