Numerical study on latent thermal energy storages with PCM partially filled with aluminium foam

A numerical investigation on the effects of the metal foam into the Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage System, based on a phase change material, is accomplished. The geometry of the system is a rectangular box heated from below. The PCM is completely embedded in the rectangular box, it is pure paraffin wax with a low value of thermal conductivity and it melts in a range of temperatures. The metal foam is made of copper and it partially fills the rectangular box in order to understand the optimal filling ratio of the foam to have the better thermal performance. The enthalpy-porosity theory is employed to simulate the phase change of the PCM and the metal foam is modelled as a porous media that follow the Brinkman-extended Darcy model. The results are shown in term of melting time, temperature and energy at varying of time or at varying the filling height ratio.