Charging optimization of multi-tube latent heat storage comprising composite aluminum foam/nano-enhanced coconut oil

Abstract The fast charging of thermal energy storage (TES) systems is a requirement for the practical application of these systems. The thermal energy should be stored in a unit within a reasonable time. The present research aims to minimize the thermal charging time of a latent heat TES unit by using aluminium foams, nanoparticles (copper oxide), and geometrical optimization of the unit. The melting phase change was simulated in the TES unit by using FEM. The Taguchi optimization method was invoked to maximize the melting rate during two hours of thermal charging. The results showed that the geometrical design of the unit and the porosity of foam are the most influential design parameters on the thermal energy storage and melting rate. The variation of the design parameters could improve the melting rate by 41%. The presence of nanoparticles could only improve the melting rate by less than 2%. The optimal design of the TES unit can be fully charged in two hours. Such fast-charging time could be advantageous in solar systems and transient heat recovery.