Numerical modeling for enhanced cold storage rates through nanoparticle integration within finned tank
Abstract In current work, simulations of the freezing process within a tank featuring plus sign-shaped fins were conducted utilizing the Galerkin method. The focus was on unsteady heat transfer based on conduction, solving two coupled equations. The primary material in this investigation is water, which is strategically combined with CuO nanoparticles to improve cold energy preservation efficiency. The simulations are influenced by two critical factors: the shape and concentration of the nanoparticles. Considering these factors adds complexity to the study, facilitating a comprehensive exploration of their impacts on solidification within the plus sign-shaped fin container. Validation of the code against previous benchmarks has shown good accuracy. For water alone, the cold storage time is 1433 s, which significantly reduces to 1049.19 s with the introduction of nanoparticles. The substantial decrement in freezing time is observed with the augmentation of both ϕ and “m” (shape factor), approximately 7 % and 27 %, respectively. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/ S2590123025002178