Heat transfer enhancement of phase change materials using tree shaped fins: A comprehensive review

The efficiency of thermal energy storage is essential in phase change material (PCM) systems. Many traditional configurations of fins, such as radial, rectangular, and pin fins, have yet to be found lacking in how they facilitate heat transfer at charging and discharging processes, causing more extended phase change periods and decreasing the entire system's efficiency. This review seeks to fill the gap in thermal performance improvement and categorizes the existing literature related to melting, solidification, and a combination of both melting and solidification processes . Scientific research carried out in the melting section shows that tree-shaped fins have the potential to cut down melting time by 60 %…