Examination of effect of inclination angle on RT35 HC thermal energy storage performance with honeycomb fins of different cell sizes

Abstract

The integration of PCM beneath PV panels is a distinctive engineering application for thermal control and energy efficiency. Optimal and steady energy generation is attained from diurnal temperature variations by the utilization of various tilt angles. This study examined the impact of tilt angles (20 degrees, 35 degrees, and 50 degrees) and honeycomb fin diameter on the energy storage and kinetics of RT35 HC paraffin within an experimental setup applicable to photovoltaic panel heat absorption. The latitude and longitude of Osmaniye province were analyzed, and the thermal characteristics of RT35 HC paraffin were extensively investigated. The experimental apparatus was constructed with dimensions of 100 x 120 x 10 mm3 for paraffin storage, incorporating honeycomb aluminum fins with cell diameters of 3.2, 5.2, 6.8, 8.7, 10.4, and 14.17 mm, both with and without fins. The tests were monitored using thermal and digital cameras at five-minute intervals. Photographs of all samples, both with and without honeycomb fins, were analyzed during the melting processes (area) using image processing techniques in MATLAB software version R2021a, with evaluations conducted every 5 min on the acquired photos. It was observed that when the tilt of the experimental apparatus increased for both with and without fin samples, the liquid phase areas within the enclosure and the energy storage capacity gradually decreased. Conducting the experiment at a 20 degrees angle in an experimental apparatus devoid of fins yields 17.2 % more energy storage compared to executing the identical experiment at a 50 degrees angle.