A Review of Enhancing Heat Transfer in Phase Change Material Using Fin Configurations

The technology of thermal energy storage is an efficient method to reserve thermal energy for further use. This review paper mainly focuses on the heat transfer (HT) enhancement in phase change materials (PCMs) and evaluates the impact of fin geometry on the thermal performance of PCMs used in latent heat thermal energy storage systems (LHTESs). Fins of longitudinal, annular, spiral, and letter shapes (e.g., Y, T, and L) were categorized and evaluated according to their thermal performance and efficacy in improving the charging and discharging processes in LHTESs. Low thermal conductivity (TC) of PCMs is one of the most significant challenges facing PCMs, as it adversely affects HT efficiency during the melting and solidification processes. Advanced fin designs have shown efficacy in overcoming this issue. Letter‐shaped fins significantly decrease melting duration, while spiral fins expedite the phase change process relative to traditional fins. To achieve the best thermal efficiency at the lowest possible cost, several design factors must be considered when selecting fins, such as material type, size, thickness, and distribution. The study results demonstrated the significant role that innovative fin designs play in improving TC, making them promising solutions in many applications, particularly in regulating building temperatures, cooling electronic devices, and storing solar energy.