To develop more efficient thermal energy storage/release devices,a novel modular rectangular cavity phase change energy storage radiator with embedded U-shaped tubes is developed and designed,which employs paraffin as the energy storage medium and copper foam as the filling material. Structural optimization is achieved through installing a fan at the cooling end. The latent heat release time at an inlet air velocity of 6 m/s is approximately 50% of that at 2 m/s. Moreover,either increasing the heat release spacing or lowering the air inlet temperature can enhance heat transfer rate significantly during solidification process,shortening the solidification time.
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