Objectives: By the end of this session, participants will:

• Understand the fundamental principles of thermal energy storage and phase change phenomena
• Identify different types of PCMs and their thermodynamic properties
• Recognize various industrial and commercial applications of PCMs
• Gain foundational knowledge for computational modeling of PCMs in ANSYS Fluent
• Develop the ability to distinguish between sensible and latent heat storage mechanisms
• Comprehend how PCMs function at the molecular level during phase transitions

Key Concepts:

• • Energy Storage Methods
  • Latent Heat vs. Sensible Heat
  • Phase Change Mechanisms
  • Molecular Behavior During Phase Transition
  • PCM Classifications (Organic, Inorganic, Eutectics)
  • Material Properties and Selection Criteria
  • Industrial Applications
  • Computational Modeling Fundamentals
  • Enthalpy-Porosity Approach
  • Solidus and Liquidus Temperatures
  • Liquid Fraction Concept
  • Conservation Equations
  • ANSYS Fluent Capabilities and Limitations

Description:

Session 1 provides a comprehensive introduction to Phase Change Materials (PCMs) and their thermodynamic principles, establishing the foundation for advanced modeling in ANSYS Fluent. In an era of increasing energy demands and environmental concerns, PCMs offer innovative solutions for efficient thermal energy storage. This session begins by contrasting traditional sensible heat storage with latent thermal energy storage, demonstrating how PCMs leverage phase transitions to store significantly more energy while maintaining near-constant temperatures. Participants will explore the molecular mechanisms behind melting and freezing processes, gaining insights into how PCMs absorb, store, and release thermal energy at the microscopic level.

The session delves into PCM classifications—covering organic materials like paraffins with their high fusion heat, inorganic compounds such as hydrated salts, and specialized eutectic mixtures—while analyzing their respective advantages and limitations. Through examination of diverse real-world applications across industries—from renewable energy and construction to aerospace, textiles, and medicine—participants will appreciate PCMs’ versatility and potential. The session culminates with an introduction to computational modeling concepts essential for ANSYS Fluent simulation, including the enthalpy-porosity formulation, liquid fraction calculations, and conservation equations that govern phase change phenomena. By understanding both theoretical foundations and practical modeling approaches, participants will be prepared to tackle the validation cases in subsequent sessions with confidence and clarity.

Objective: Apply ANSYS Fluent to validate numerical models against experimental data in triplex tube heat exchangers

Key Concepts:

• Triplex Tube Heat Exchanger (TTHX) Configurations

• Numerical Model Development

  • Mesh generation strategies
  • Enthalpy-porosity formulation
  • Boundary conditions setup
• Experimental Validation Process
  • • Temperature measurement techniques
    • Liquid fraction calculation
    • Error analysis methods
• Performance Comparison
•  

Description:

In Session 2, participants will learn to VALIDATE a research paper that investigates heat transfer enhancement in a triplex tube heat exchanger using phase change materials. The session focuses on replicating the numerical model from the paper using ANSYS Fluent to simulate the melting process of RT82 PCM under different heating conditions. Students will set up the simulation parameters, generate appropriate meshes, and implement the enthalpy-porosity model to accurately capture phase change phenomena. Through step-by-step guidance, participants will understand how to compare temperature plots and liquid fraction data between numerical predictions and experimental results.

By validating both temperature plots and liquid fraction curves, participants will gain practical skills in computational modeling while understanding the physics behind heat transfer enhancement techniques. This hands-on approach will enable students to critically evaluate research findings and develop confidence in using ANSYS Fluent for their own PCM applications and research. Read More 

Objective: Validate numerical simulations of paraffin wax melting in a spherical cavity using ANSYS Fluent against Experimental data

Key Concepts:

• Spherical Cavity Design and Setup
• Experimental Visualization Techniques
• Volume of Fluid (VOF) Approach
• Heat Flux and Temperature Profiles
• Model Validation Through Visual Comparison)

Description:

Session 3 focuses on validating a published study examining paraffin wax melting in spherical cavities made from different materials. Using ANSYS Fluent’s enthalpy-porosity model and Volume of Fluid (VOF) method, participants will simulate unconstrained melting processes and compare results with experimental visualization data. The session demonstrates how cavity materials with higher thermal diffusivity (aluminum, copper) significantly enhance melting rates compared to materials with lower diffusivity (glass) due to increased natural convection effects.

Participants will learn practical validation techniques using image comparison and digital analysis to verify simulation accuracy. The session also explores how different Stefan numbers affect melting time, heat flux patterns, and natural convection strength. By the end of this session, students will understand how to properly set up and validate PCM simulations involving spherical geometries and free surface melting, with direct applications in thermal energy storage system design and material selection.

Objective: Learn how to validate CFD models for solar panel-PCM systems

Key Concepts:

• Solar Panel Efficiency Challenges
• PCM Integration with Solar Panels
• Buoyancy-Driven Flow Simulation
• Solid-Liquid Interface Tracking
• Natural Convection in Melting Process
• Validation Using Experimental Data
• Performance Metrics and Comparison

Description:

Session 3 focuses on validating a research paper that investigates the use of phase change materials to maintain optimal operating temperatures in solar panels. This practical application addresses a significant challenge in solar energy: the efficiency loss that occurs when panels operate at high temperatures—typically a 0.5% efficiency drop for each degree above the nominal 25°C operating temperature.

Participants will learn how to model a coupled solar panel-PCM system using computational fluid dynamics in ANSYS Fluent. The session covers the enthalpy-porosity approach for simulating phase transitions, with special emphasis on capturing natural convection within the melting PCM. Through step-by-step modeling and validation against experimental data, students will evaluate how PCM systems can maintain panel temperatures below 40°C for extended periods under intense solar radiation (1000W/m²). Read More