Simulation and Optimization of Thermal Management in L-Shaped Tubes Coated with Phase Change Material Nanofibers

In this study, the phase change materials (PCMs) nanofibers (polyethylene glycol as the PCM and polyamide-6 as the supporting matrix) in an L-shaped tube at various conditions were simulated with COMSOL software. In this regard, water at 100˚C is placed in the L-shaped tube, which is coated with a thin layer of polyethylene glycol-polyamide nanofibers on the outside. In the following, the thermophysical properties of composite nanofibers PCMs were investigated. The effect of varying temperature, velocity, density, viscosity and thermal conductivity on the composite nanofibers PCMs with different weight percentages were compared. The results showed that the most proper system for thermal management is related to the PCM nanocomposite with a maximum weight percentage of polyethylene glycol. Also, using nano-PCMs for improving the thermal management and temperature controlling is so effective, and therefore they can be applied to store and transport energy.