Performance evaluation of latent heat storage unit using novel hook-shaped fins: Experimental investigation

Overcoming the intermittency of solar energy generation remains a critical hurdle for widespread adoption. Phase Change Materials (PCMs) offer a promising solution by storing excess energy during peak generation and releasing it on demand. This study explores a novel thermal accumulator unit utilizing Hook-Shaped Fins (HSFs) to enhance the stored energy capability. The performance of HSFs is compared with Conventional Straight Fins (CSFs) through comprehensive experimental testing under varying HTF (Heat Transfer Fluid) temperatures (75 °C, 80 °C, 85 °C) with a constant mass flow rate. Paraffin wax serves as the PCM, and water is used as the HTF. The findings demonstrate that HSFs achieve significantly faster melting times (up to 58.6 % reduction) compared to CSFs. This translates to a more efficient utilization of the available charging window and faster system response. This is further supported by the observed improvements in Integrated Temperature Response Rate (ITRR) (up to 22.85 % increase) and average effectiveness (up to 10.5 %) compared to CSFs. Additionally, HSFs exhibit a higher thermal storage capacity (up to 2.6% increase), indicating their ability to store more thermal energy. These findings highlight the potential of HSFs as a highly effective solution for application in thermal energy storage systems.