Numerical modelling of fluid flow through porous media-thermal storage application

Abstract

In this paper computational fluid dynamics technology is utilized to predict the flow and heat transfer for the porous medium. The porosity, particle diameter of three types of graphite are studied to observe the heat transfer through the porous medium. Amorphous graphite, flake graphite, vein graphite and copper are considered as the storage material. The porosity ranges from 0.1 to 0.49, while the 0.02mm,0.2mm and 2mm are three values for the particle diameter. Two types of heat transfer fluids are selected namely, ethylene glycol and mineral oil. The heat transfer through porous medium of vein graphite is higher compared to the others, but in terms of the overall performance of flake graphite is effective. Mineral oil gives greater values of heat transfer due to its properties. On comparing copper with graphite, a significant difference in the heat transfer of graphite is observed.