Two-dimensional transient thermal analysis of a phase-change-material canister of a heat-pipe receiver under gravity

High-temperature Phase Change Material (PCM) is used as a thermal storage medium of a heat-pipe receiver in an advanced solar dynamic system. With both void cavity and natural convection considered, thermal performance of the heat-pipe receiver is numerically analyzed under gravity. The results indicate that the PCM contained in the integrated heat pipe performs an averaging function of heat loadings. The thermal performance of the heat-pipe receiver is stable and reliable. When a heating cycle is stable, the temperature fluctuations both on heat-pipe wall and in PCM canister remain less than 13 K throughout a sunlight and eclipse cycle. The utility of PCM is essentially improved. The maximum melting ratio of PCM is 92%. Under gravity, PCM melts more quickly with the effect of natural convection. Natural convection accelerates the process of phase changes. Numerical results are compared with the experimental results concerned. The accuracy of numerical model under gravity is verified. The experiment for the PCM canister on the ground can be well prepared with our numerical simulation.