ABSTRACT
This chapter presents results of investigation with heat pipes being used as thermal conductivity enhancers. The melting process of a thermosyphon assisted Latent heat thermal energy storage systems (LHTES) with n-eicosane as Phase change material (PCM) enclosed by a square enclosure was numerically simulated using a synergistic transient numerical approach, wherein a lumped model was combined with full numerical simulations. The rectangular domain contains PCM and the heat pipe (HP) unit. The operation of the wickless heatpipe is modelled using a simplified lumped parameter model. The enthalpy-porosity model and the lumped heat pipe model have been validated by experimental results available in the literature. The LHTES thermal conductivity can be enhanced by incorporating more HPs in the area experiencing high resistance for the flow of heat. To evaluate the performance of the LHTES, the condenser wall temperature after 1500s of heating is monitored.
