RT45 Paraffin Melting Simulation in ANSYS - validation and article writing
Budget: ₹600 – ₹1,500 INR
REQUIREMENT ELABORATION DOCUMENT
Title: Numerical Simulation of RT45 Paraffin Melting Using the Enthalpy-Porosity Method in ANSYS Fluent
Introduction
Phase Change Materials (PCMs) are widely used in thermal energy storage systems because of their ability to store and release large amounts of latent heat during phase transition. RT45 paraffin is a commonly used PCM due to its suitable melting temperature and high thermal stability. Numerical simulation of PCM melting helps to understand heat transfer behavior and melting characteristics, which are important for improving thermal storage system design. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software such as ANSYS Fluent provides an effective platform for analyzing PCM melting processes.
Problem Definition
The melting behavior of RT45 paraffin inside thermal storage systems is influenced by temperature distribution and liquid fraction evolution. Understanding this process through numerical simulation is important for predicting thermal performance. However, many studies involve complex experimental validation and advanced sensitivity analysis, which increases the difficulty of the research. This study simplifies the process by focusing only on the numerical simulation of PCM melting.
Objectives
• To simulate the melting process of RT45 paraffin using the enthalpy-porosity method.
• To analyze temperature distribution during melting.
• To evaluate liquid fraction evolution over time.
• To study melting behavior inside a cylindrical container.
Methodology Overview
The study uses ANSYS Fluent 2020 R2 for the transient simulation of RT45 paraffin melting. The enthalpy-porosity model is applied to represent the phase change process. The governing equations include continuity, momentum, and energy equations. A cylindrical geometry is created, and structured meshing is used for better accuracy. Boundary conditions are applied with constant wall temperature, and the SIMPLE algorithm is used for pressure-velocity coupling. The simulation runs over time to observe the melting progression.
Technologies
• ANSYS Fluent for CFD simulation
• Structured meshing tools for grid generation
• Post-processing tools for contour and graph plotting analysis
Input Data Requirements
• Thermophysical properties of RT45 paraffin (density, specific heat, thermal conductivity, latent heat)
• Initial temperature of PCM
• Wall temperature boundary condition
• Geometry dimensions of the cylindrical container
• Time-step and simulation settings
Expected Output
• Temperature contour distribution inside the PCM
• Liquid fraction variation over time
• Melting progression at different time intervals
• Total melting time of RT45 paraffin
• Graphs showing temperature and liquid fraction changes
Validation Approach
Validation in this study is limited to checking simulation stability and consistency. Mesh independence and time-step testing are performed to ensure reliable numerical results. The results are compared with theoretical expectations and existing literature for general accuracy.
Conclusion
This study provides a simplified numerical analysis of RT45 paraffin melting using the enthalpy-porosity method in ANSYS Fluent. The work focuses on understanding melting behavior, temperature distribution, and liquid fraction evolution without complex experimental validation. The findings can support the design and improvement of PCM-based thermal energy storage systems.
Title: Numerical Simulation of RT45 Paraffin Melting Using the Enthalpy-Porosity Method in ANSYS Fluent
Introduction
Phase Change Materials (PCMs) are widely used in thermal energy storage systems because of their ability to store and release large amounts of latent heat during phase transition. RT45 paraffin is a commonly used PCM due to its suitable melting temperature and high thermal stability. Numerical simulation of PCM melting helps to understand heat transfer behavior and melting characteristics, which are important for improving thermal storage system design. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software such as ANSYS Fluent provides an effective platform for analyzing PCM melting processes.
Problem Definition
The melting behavior of RT45 paraffin inside thermal storage systems is influenced by temperature distribution and liquid fraction evolution. Understanding this process through numerical simulation is important for predicting thermal performance. However, many studies involve complex experimental validation and advanced sensitivity analysis, which increases the difficulty of the research. This study simplifies the process by focusing only on the numerical simulation of PCM melting.
Objectives
• To simulate the melting process of RT45 paraffin using the enthalpy-porosity method.
• To analyze temperature distribution during melting.
• To evaluate liquid fraction evolution over time.
• To study melting behavior inside a cylindrical container.
Methodology Overview
The study uses ANSYS Fluent 2020 R2 for the transient simulation of RT45 paraffin melting. The enthalpy-porosity model is applied to represent the phase change process. The governing equations include continuity, momentum, and energy equations. A cylindrical geometry is created, and structured meshing is used for better accuracy. Boundary conditions are applied with constant wall temperature, and the SIMPLE algorithm is used for pressure-velocity coupling. The simulation runs over time to observe the melting progression.
Technologies
• ANSYS Fluent for CFD simulation
• Structured meshing tools for grid generation
• Post-processing tools for contour and graph plotting analysis
Input Data Requirements
• Thermophysical properties of RT45 paraffin (density, specific heat, thermal conductivity, latent heat)
• Initial temperature of PCM
• Wall temperature boundary condition
• Geometry dimensions of the cylindrical container
• Time-step and simulation settings
Expected Output
• Temperature contour distribution inside the PCM
• Liquid fraction variation over time
• Melting progression at different time intervals
• Total melting time of RT45 paraffin
• Graphs showing temperature and liquid fraction changes
Validation Approach
Validation in this study is limited to checking simulation stability and consistency. Mesh independence and time-step testing are performed to ensure reliable numerical results. The results are compared with theoretical expectations and existing literature for general accuracy.
Conclusion
This study provides a simplified numerical analysis of RT45 paraffin melting using the enthalpy-porosity method in ANSYS Fluent. The work focuses on understanding melting behavior, temperature distribution, and liquid fraction evolution without complex experimental validation. The findings can support the design and improvement of PCM-based thermal energy storage systems.